Teachers under the umbrella of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory chapter, on Tuesday took to the streets of Abuja in a solidarity rally to condemn the growing wave of insecurity affecting schools across Nigeria and demand stronger protection for educators and students.
The protesters commenced the rally at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Education before proceeding to Area 11, the administrative headquarters of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
Carrying placards with messages such as “End the Reign of Fear in Our Schools,” “Teachers Deserve Security, Not Fear,” and “Kidnapping Has No Place in Education,” the teachers called on authorities to take urgent steps to secure schools and ensure the safe return of all abducted victims.
Held under the theme, “United for Education, Together for Our Future,” the rally was organised to draw national attention to the increasing threats facing educational institutions and the impact of insecurity on teaching and learning.
In Borno State, 42 pupils were reportedly kidnapped after armed groups attacked schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas on 13 and 14 May.
“We are acting on the directives of the national headquarters of this union. They instructed us, in every state of the federation, to embark on a solidarity rally in protest against what has happened to our teachers and students in parts of the country,” Shafa said.
He stressed that the safety of teachers and learners must become a national priority, warning that persistent attacks on schools could undermine educational development and discourage attendance in vulnerable communities
The protest highlights growing concerns among education stakeholders over the security situation in schools and renews calls for stronger measures to protect both educators and pupils across the country.
