The protests, organised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), took place in several states
Teachers across several states in Nigeria on Tuesday joined a nationwide protest to demand urgent government intervention in the growing insecurity threatening schools, teachers and students across the federation.
The protests, organised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), took place in several states, where educators condemned the rising wave of kidnappings, attacks and killings linked to educational institutions.
In Akwa Ibom State, hundreds of teachers marched through major streets of Uyo carrying placards with inscriptions such as “An Attack on Teachers Is an Attack on Education,” “Protect Teachers and You Protect the Future,” and “Education Cannot Thrive Under Terror.”
Addressing the protesters, Akwa Ibom NUT Chairman, Comrade Edet Emenyi, decried the increasing threats facing teachers and students, warning that schools were gradually turning into targets of violence rather than centres of learning and hope.
He lamented that insecurity had created an atmosphere of fear in classrooms across the country, making it difficult for teachers to carry out their duties effectively.
“An attack on teachers is an attack on education. Protect teachers and you protect the future. Schools must be safe havens, not crime scenes.
“Today, many teachers teach while constantly looking over their shoulders. Education cannot thrive under terror,” Emenyi stated.
The union also called for improved welfare packages for teachers and demanded the immediate release of kidnapped students, teachers and other education workers being held by criminal groups.
In Ondo State, members of the NUT staged a solidarity rally in Akure to protest the recent abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers by suspected kidnappers in Ahoro Esinele Community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The demonstration, which began at the Teachers’ House and ended at the Governor’s Office, attracted hundreds of teachers, union leaders and education stakeholders carrying placards bearing messages including “Let Teachers Teach in Peace,” “Secure Every School, Save Every Dream,” and “Government Must Wake Up and Act Now.”
Speaking during the rally, Ondo State NUT Chairman, Comrade Ayodele Samuel Leke, described the Oyo incident as tragic and disturbing, saying it reflected the worsening security situation confronting educational institutions nationwide.
Leke noted that the attack not only resulted in the abduction of pupils and teachers but also claimed the life of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, as well as a motorcyclist and some security operatives involved in rescue efforts.
He called on the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government and security agencies to take immediate and decisive steps to secure the unconditional release of all victims while strengthening measures to prevent future attacks on schools.
According to him, persistent attacks on educational institutions pose a serious threat to access to education, particularly in rural communities where many schools already struggle with inadequate infrastructure and staffing.
“As a union committed to the welfare and safety of teachers and learners, we declare unequivocally that enough is enough. We say no to the kidnapping of teachers, pupils and other innocent citizens.
“Our schools and learning environments must be safe, secure and conducive for quality education,” Leke said, while urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and united against insecurity.
Responding on behalf of the Ondo State Government, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Comrade Bola Taiwo, commended the teachers for conducting a peaceful protest and assured them that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration remained committed to protecting lives and property through strengthened security initiatives, including increased recruitment into the Amotekun Corps, provision of operational vehicles and enhanced collaboration among security agencies.
In Cross River State, the teachers marched through major streets in Calabar, the state capital, chanting solidarity songs.
They marched to the Ministry of local government affairs and ended at the Governor’s Office, where they condemned the abduction of school children and teachers.
They lamented the violent treatment of children as young as two years by the abductors, as well as the beheading of one of the abducted teachers.
Chairman of the NUT in the state, Comrade Gregory Olayi said the abduction is an attack on the education sector, adding that the NUT has a directive to embark on an indefinite strike if the government does not rescue the abducted colleagues and school children immediately.
