FG Warns Against School Closures Over Insecurity, Calls for Stronger Safe-School Policies

By Margaret Abah

The Federal Government has warned against the continued closure of schools due to insecurity, saying the practice poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s education system and long-term national stability.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said shutting down schools in affected areas not only disrupts learning but also worsens the country’s already strained education system.

Akume gave the warning in Abuja on Wednesday at the first triennial meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), held under the theme “Religious Literacy for National Cohesion.”

According to a statement issued by his Media Aide, Yomi Odunuga, the SGF called for the strengthening of government policies on safe schools and violence-free learning environments to ensure uninterrupted academic activities.

“The SGF also raised concerns over insecurity in the education sector, warning that attacks on schools and prolonged closures in unsafe areas continue to worsen Nigeria’s education crisis,” the statement read.

Akume stressed that children cannot be properly educated in unsafe environments.

“A child cannot learn fraternity in fear; a nation cannot preach literacy while schools are under threat,” he said.

He emphasised the need to improve teaching standards through better-trained educators, improved learning materials, and value-based education that promotes tolerance and responsible citizenship.

Beyond education, Akume urged religious and traditional leaders to take a more active role in promoting peace and preventing violence as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

He said faith-based and traditional institutions must lead grassroots mobilisation, youth engagement, and peace-building efforts to counter misinformation and identity-based divisions that often fuel conflict.

“The 2027 general elections are fast approaching, and religious and traditional leaders have a moral responsibility to strengthen collaboration, promote tolerance and ensure peaceful coexistence in their communities,” Akume said.

He also warned against the use of religion and identity for political or economic gain, noting that such practices often lead to unrest and violence.

Akume further highlighted the importance of combining religious literacy with media and information literacy to combat fake news and hate speech, referencing Nigeria’s partnership with UNESCO on responsible information sharing.

He said the Federal Government has introduced measures to support religious and traditional institutions in sustaining peace and security ahead of the elections.

The SGF expressed optimism that the NIREC meeting would produce practical solutions to strengthen national unity, while urging stakeholders to prioritise education and literacy as key tools for peace-building and national development.