Nigerian Education in Crisis, NANS Sounds Alarm

The National Association of Nigerian Students has sounded the alarm regarding the increasing levels of instability in Nigeria, cautioning th...

The National Association of Nigerian Students has sounded the alarm regarding the increasing levels of instability in Nigeria, cautioning that assaults on educational institutions are endangering the future of the country's youth and its academic framework.

The issue has arisen following a series of violent events. On Monday, 25 female students were taken from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. During the assault, the school's vice-principal was also killed.

Earlier this morning, a different school became the focus of an attack in Niger State. Armed individuals entered St. Mary’s Catholic School located in Papiri, within the Agwara Local Government Area, and took students and employees hostage.

In a statement issued on Friday, Adeyemi Ajasa, the National PRO of NANS, conveyed "deep sadness and serious worry" regarding the increasing assaults on educational institutions, describing them as "intentional and calculated attacks by lawbreakers aiming to cause large-scale disruption in education and the collapse of establishments."

Emphasizing the recent incidents, the students' association stated: “The recent, specific attacks on educational establishments are not isolated events nor spontaneous acts of violence. They signify a calculated and planned campaign by criminal groups aiming to cause extensive educational disruption and institutional collapse. The kidnapping of students in Kebbi State serves as a tragic example of the increasing harshness of these non-state actors.”

NANS cautioned that the ongoing risk of violence is compelling students to make a difficult decision between continuing their studies and ensuring their own security.

"These events have pushed many students into a painful choice: whether to continue their education or protect their own safety. This situation is intolerable in any advanced society, and its persistence endangers the stability, growth, and international reputation of Nigeria," the statement said.

The group also urged the Federal Government to stop "fragmented actions and reactive steps," presenting explicit requirements for both the government and law enforcement agencies.

To the Federal Government: The time of fragmented actions and reactive approaches should come to an end. The government needs to show clear political determination by dismantling the operational structures, financial sources, and logistical support systems of terrorist groups. NANS calls for immediate, extensive investments in advanced surveillance technologies, strengthened community-focused security models, and the adoption of thorough rural protection strategies. The unconditional recovery and reintegration of all kidnapped students must be a top national concern.

"To the Nigerian Military High Command and all security organizations: There needs to be a clear move from responding to incidents to taking proactive, intelligence-based, and well-coordinated security actions. Strengthening cooperation between agencies is essential to remove overlaps, boost quick reaction abilities, and maintain ongoing surveillance of areas vulnerable to threats. The safeguarding of schools and academic groups must become a key element of the national security plan," NANS stated.

Ajasa highlighted that although NANS grieves for the loss of innocent lives and offers prayers for the safe return of kidnapped students and citizens, the organization is dedicated to maintaining continuous communication with all pertinent parties.

"NANS continues to be firm, watchful, and resolute. Although we grieve the heartbreaking loss of innocent lives and sincerely pray for the quick and secure return of all kidnapped students and citizens, we restate our dedication to ongoing, positive interaction with all involved parties. Our campaign will stay strong and unwavering until the safety of every Nigerian student is assured without any doubt or exception," he stated.

NANS ended with a strong caution: "The future of Nigerian education cannot and must not be given up to those who want to destroy it."

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