The Nigeria Union of Teachers has rejected calls to shut down schools in Borno State amid rising insecurity, insisting that doing so would amount to surrendering to insurgents.
The union said keeping schools open is part of efforts to resist attempts by terrorists to disrupt education in the region, even as concerns grow over attacks and abductions targeting learners and teachers.
Speaking in Maiduguri, the National Publicity Secretary of the union, Comrade Yusuf Tom, who represented the state chairman, Comrade Zali Garba, said teachers remain committed to ensuring uninterrupted learning despite security risks.
According to him, closing schools would only strengthen the resolve of attackers.
“We did not order the closure of schools in Borno State. If you close school, it is a victory for fear,” Tom said.
He added that the union is encouraging teachers to remain in classrooms as part of a broader effort to resist what he described as the “agenda of fear” being driven by armed groups.
“Therefore, we will continue to encourage our teachers to teach in our respective schools, so we can defeat their game of seeing schools closed. That is what we are agitating for; we are not agitating for the closure of schools,” he added.
Tom also said the union’s planned nationwide rally is aimed at pressing authorities to take stronger action over the abduction of students and education workers across the country.
He stressed that education must remain protected despite the worsening security situation, calling for urgent intervention to secure the release of kidnapped victims.
“Education is part of human rights. But in recent times, the reverse is the case… we are organising this rally to make our voice heard so that our learners… will be released unconditionally,” he said.
He further urged government at all levels to intensify efforts to rescue abducted students and teachers, noting that the protests scheduled across the country reflect growing frustration within the education sector over insecurity.
The union’s position comes as concerns continue to mount over attacks on schools in parts of northern Nigeria, particularly in states affected by insurgency and banditry.
