The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools has expressed deep concern over the abduction of teachers and pupils in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, warning that the growing wave of attacks on schools across the country could worsen Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis and endanger the future of millions of young people.
The union, in a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, lamented what it described as the persistent insecurity confronting educational institutions in several parts of the country, saying the situation now poses a grave threat to access to quality education and the safety of both learners and educators.
The statement, jointly signed by the National President of ASUSS, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Felix Oluwaseun Agbesanwa, was made available to journalists in Osogbo.
According to the union leaders, the kidnapping of teachers and students in Orire Local Government has once again highlighted the vulnerability of schools, particularly in rural and underserved communities where security presence remains weak.
ASUSS stated that repeated attacks on schools are creating widespread fear among parents, teachers and pupils, thereby discouraging school attendance and disrupting academic activities across the country.
The union warned that if urgent and decisive steps are not taken to address the worsening security situation, more children could be forced out of school as parents increasingly become reluctant to send their wards to educational institutions perceived to be unsafe.
“The persistent attacks on schools and communities are increasingly undermining access to education, creating fear among parents, students, and teachers, and disrupting academic activities across many parts of the country,” the statement read.
The union stressed that education cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, noting that the rising cases of abductions, attacks and violence around schools are gradually eroding public confidence in the nation’s educational system.
ASUSS further argued that the psychological trauma suffered by victims of kidnapping and violent attacks could have long-lasting effects on students and teachers, affecting academic performance, emotional stability and general well-being.
The union therefore called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts aimed at securing the immediate release of the abducted victims while also restoring peace and safety to affected communities.
It urged the authorities to adopt proactive security strategies capable of preventing future attacks on schools and educational facilities across the country.
According to the union, the safety of schools must be treated as a national priority because the future of the country depends heavily on the ability of children to learn in secure and conducive environments.
ASUSS also appealed to state governments to work closely with local communities, traditional rulers and security agencies in strengthening intelligence gathering and surveillance around schools, especially in remote areas vulnerable to criminal activities.
The union expressed concern that the recurring attacks on educational institutions could reverse gains already made in the campaign against out-of-school children in Nigeria.
It noted that many families living in insecurity-prone communities are already struggling with poverty and displacement, adding that the fear of abduction may further push children away from classrooms into child labour, street hawking and other social vices.
Education stakeholders have repeatedly warned that insecurity remains one of the major obstacles to educational development in Nigeria, particularly in regions affected by banditry, kidnapping and communal violence.
Over the past few years, several schools across different parts of the country have been targeted by armed groups, leading to mass abductions of students and teachers and prompting temporary closure of many institutions.
ASUSS maintained that beyond rescuing the abducted victims, authorities must develop long-term policies that guarantee the protection of schools and educational personnel nationwide.
The union also urged the Federal Government to invest more in school security infrastructure, including perimeter fencing, surveillance systems and rapid emergency response mechanisms.
It further called for increased recruitment and deployment of security personnel to vulnerable communities, stressing that teachers and students should never have to choose between education and safety.
The statement concluded with an appeal to Nigerians, civil society groups and community leaders to support efforts aimed at protecting schools and safeguarding the rights of children to uninterrupted education.
ASUSS insisted that unless urgent action is taken to tackle insecurity, the nation risks raising a generation deprived of proper education, opportunities and hope for a better future.
