Teachers in Borno have kicked against the closure of schools especially in vulnerable areas of the state over growing security challenges.
The teachers insisted that suspending academic activities over the rising insecurity in schools would undermine efforts to keep education accessible to children.
This message by the teachers was conveyed by the state’s chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) who maintained that learning must continue despite the prevailing security concerns.
While speaking on Tuesday in Maiduguri, the union argued that shutting down schools would amount to yielding to the objectives of terrorist groups seeking to disrupt education in the state.
They added that teachers across the state have not been directed to abandon their classrooms and remain committed to carrying out their responsibilities while authorities intensify measures to improve security around schools.
One of them, Yusuf Tom, said that educators believe access to education should not be sacrificed because of insecurity.
Tom stressed that the society cannot allow those creating fear to determine whether children go to school or not, uttering that education remains a fundamental right and teachers are determined to ensure that learning continues.
Furthermore, the union argued that the answer to the security crisis lies in stronger protective measures rather than the suspension of academic activities.
It warned that prolonged school closures could deepen educational setbacks already facing vulnerable communities.
The association also defended its planned nationwide protest against the rising cases of kidnappings involving pupils, students and education workers across the country.
According to them, the demonstrations are intended to draw public attention to the plight of those still being held captive and to press governments at all levels to take stronger action against threats targeting schools.
They explained that the planned rallies would serve as a platform for teachers to demand urgent intervention and reinforce calls for improved security in communities affected by violence and restore confidence in the education system.
The union particularly highlighted concerns over reports of learners and education personnel abducted from schools in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their release.
Concluding with the correspondents, it reaffirmed their commitment to defending the right of every Nigerian child to education while continuing to advocate stronger protection for schools, students and teachers nationwide.