International organisation laments impact of insecurity on education

Amidst the poor education system and security challenges in Nigeria, the International Organisation for Peace Building and Social Justice has called for a robust investment in the nation’s education sector and security architecture.

The group bemoaned the crippling impact of insecurity on education in the country, adding that Nigeria “currently harbours one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, accounting for 15 per cent of the global total.”

This was disclosed in its report titled, ‘Insecurity and Education in Nigeria: The Context and Challenges,’ a copy of which was made available to PUNCH Online on Sunday.

The report signed by PSJ-UK CEO, Ayo Adedoyin and IA Foundation Founder/CEO, Ibironke Adeagbo, “underscores the dire human cost inflicted on students, teachers, and families.”

Over the past years, Nigeria has been recording attacks in its schools where students are abducted for ransom.

On March 7, gunmen invaded the LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School in Kuriga, a community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Reports had it that 137 schoolchildren were abducted alongside a teacher identified as Mallam Abubakar, who later lost his life while in captivity due to health complications.

Also, 15 Tsangaya studentsTsangaya students at Gidan Bakuso area of Gada Local Government Area in Sokoto State.

(https://punchng.com/bandits-abduct-15-students-in-sokoto/)

In its report, PSJUK noted that “nationwide, schools are facing closure due to repeated attacks, resulting in a significant number of children being unable to attend school.

“In the Northeast alone, the number of out-of-school children stands at a staggering 1.6 million.”

The report warned that “the intertwined crises of insecurity and education will have dire consequences for Nigeria’s overall development, potentially leaving an entire generation with limited skills and unable to compete globally.”

It stressed that the combined insecurity and education crises “are likely to impact the wider West African region and the world, with migration emerging as a critical concern.

“Despite efforts by national and international stakeholders to address both challenges, progress has been scant.”

Furthermore, the report observed “that responses to insecurity, such as military operations and peace negotiations, and efforts to improve education through policy reforms and infrastructure development, have failed to yield sustainable solutions,” adding that there’s an “urgent need to tackle the insecurity and education crises.”

It warned, “Failure to do so could result in a generation unable to compete in the job market, hampering the country’s long-term development efforts and exacerbating poverty.”

In its recommendation, PSJUK noted that “to effectively address these challenges, the report advocates for a comprehensive approach involving both national and international actors.

“Recommended measures include strengthening security measures, promoting inclusive governance, investing in education infrastructure, and enhancing access to quality education for all.”

“By addressing the root causes of insecurity and prioritising education, Nigeria can pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future.”