Nigerian Schools Still Unsafe Despite Government Protection Strategy

Education stakeholders across Nigeria have raised fresh concerns over the continued attacks on schools, warning that the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Initiative and related security interventions have yet to produce meaningful protection for learners and teachers.

The criticism follows renewed incidents of kidnappings, killings, and security threats targeting schools in different parts of the country despite government assurances on school safety.

Earlier in February, the Federal Government unveiled a Smart School Protection Strategy aimed at improving security in schools nationwide through collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, described school protection as a “non-negotiable priority” and announced the establishment of a dedicated Department of Safe School Initiative to coordinate implementation, monitoring, and inter-agency collaboration.

According to the ministry, the strategy includes the deployment of smart security systems such as emergency panic alerts, rapid response mechanisms, and improved command-and-control centres to support intelligence-driven interventions. The government also pledged to explore sustainable funding models for nationwide implementation.

However, education stakeholders say the reality on ground tells a different story.

Chairperson of the Association of International School Educators in Nigeria, Kofo Karunwi, said recurring attacks and abductions show that existing safety policies remain largely ineffective.

She noted that the 2014 abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls was expected to transform Nigeria’s approach to school safety, leading to the creation of the Safe Schools Initiative and Minimum Standards for Safe Schools.

“Sadly, more than a decade later, recurring attacks in states such as Borno and Oyo suggest that these standards have remained stronger on paper than in practice,” she said.

Karunwi warned that school insecurity is no longer limited to rural communities.

“This is no longer an isolated rural problem. Only a few months ago, schools in Lagos were targeted with bomb and kidnap threats, proving that no region can afford complacency,” she stated.

She further lamented that many schools still lack basic safety infrastructure and emergency response systems needed to handle security threats effectively.

“Schools are expected to implement safety measures, yet many lack the resources, intelligence support, and enforcement backing required to make these measures effective,” she added.

Karunwi also criticised what she described as poor funding priorities for education safety, arguing that schools remain vulnerable despite large public spending in other sectors.

“At a time when enormous resources are routinely committed to politics and other public expenditures, many schools remain exposed, under protected, and unequipped to respond to emergencies,” she said.

She stressed that weak implementation and poor accountability continue to undermine school safety policies nationwide.

“The safety of children cannot continue to depend on luck. Action delayed only increases the risk of further attacks spreading to more states and communities,” Karunwi warned.

She called for compulsory risk assessments, perimeter fencing, emergency response systems, and regular school safety audits across both public and private schools.

National Coordinator of Concerned Parents Educators, Kemi Koleowo, also questioned the level of enforcement of safeguarding policies within the education system.

“There is a Safe Schools Initiative, but safeguarding requires securing the environment with competent security arrangements. Bandits should not have easy access to schools,” she said.

Koleowo urged schools to take greater responsibility for their immediate environments while government agencies strengthen oversight and enforcement.

“Government officials in education have quality assurance departments, but are they doing their work? Safeguarding should be part of policy enforcement,” she added.

She further stressed the need for improved security awareness among teachers, students, and parents.

“Our children are vulnerable. We must educate teachers, learners, and parents on how to protect them. Even simple safety measures like verification codes for child pick-up were introduced because of past risks,” she explained.

Similarly, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) described the growing insecurity around schools as a national emergency requiring urgent intervention.

In a statement signed by National President, Chief ’Yomi Otubela, and National Secretary, Evangelist Ajibade Augustine, the association lamented the increasing cases of abduction and violence affecting schools across Nigeria.

“Across different parts of Nigeria, we have witnessed painful incidents where innocent school children and their teachers were kidnapped, traumatised, and subjected to fear and uncertainty,” the statement read.

NAPPS called on all levels of government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward protecting schools and restoring public confidence in the education system.

“Every child deserves to learn in a safe, peaceful, and protected environment. School safety must become a national priority and not merely a reaction after tragic incidents occur,” the association added.

The group also advocated improved intelligence gathering, stronger surveillance around schools, and community-based policing as part of efforts to strengthen security.

Chief Executive Officer of Margaret Modinat Foundation, Olanrewaju Osibote, blamed poor welfare for teachers and weak security structures for worsening conditions in schools.

“Most schools are not secure. Teachers are not well taken care of. When security and welfare are poor, you cannot expect commitment or safety in the system,” she said.

Stakeholders warned that unless the Safe Schools Initiative moves beyond policy announcements to practical implementation and accountability, Nigeria risks worsening insecurity in its education sector, with long-term consequences for learners, teachers, and the future of education.