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How 1,400 Schoolswas Destroyed, Over 2,295 Teachers was Killed in Nigeria

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 27th, 2024.

How 1,400 Schoolswas Destroyed, Over 2,295 Teachers was Killed in Nigeria

Since 2009, Nigeria has seen the destruction of more than 1,400 schools and the loss of over 2,295 teachers due to violence, according to Prof. Ahmed Salisu Garba, Acting Vice Chancellor of Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja. Prof. Garba shared these figures while presenting a paper on the urgent need for a legal framework to ensure school safety in Nigeria.

Addressing a public hearing for the Bauchi State Schools Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Bill, 2024, held at the American Space in Bauchi State Library, Prof. Garba emphasized that threats to Nigerian schools are a stark reality rather than a theoretical concern. He cited several high-profile incidents, including the 2014 kidnapping of over 276 girls from Chibok, the 2018 abduction of at least 110 girls from Dapchi, and the 2020 kidnapping of more than 300 boys from Government Science Secondary School in Kankara, Katsina State.

The Professor noted that these attacks have led to the closure of numerous schools, displacing over 10 million children, particularly in northern regions of Nigeria. He warned that the consequences are severe, causing destabilization in communities, tearing apart families, and jeopardizing the future of an entire generation.

Prof. Garba called for the adoption of a legal framework to ensure consistent implementation of safety measures across all schools. He highlighted Nigeria’s endorsement of the Safe Schools Declaration, which aims to translate commitments into enforceable laws with defined responsibilities and penalties.

“The Bauchi State Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Bill 2024 represents a critical opportunity to convert our pledges into tangible actions. It provides the necessary legal tools to protect our children and secure our educational institutions,” Prof. Garba said.

He urged stakeholders in Bauchi State to support the passage of the Bill, stressing the high cost of inaction, including the loss of lives, destruction of futures, and diminished trust in educational institutions. By endorsing the Bill, he believes that Nigeria can send a strong message of commitment to ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for all students.