The United Nations Envoy on Education has strongly condemned the recent abduction of school pupils in Niger State, describing the incident as a grave violation of children’s rights and a threat to Nigeria’s educational future.
In a statement issued today, the Envoy expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity affecting schools across northern Nigeria, stressing that the abduction of children for ransom or political leverage is an intolerable crime against humanity. The Envoy urged Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and to ensure that schools remain safe spaces for learning.
The UN representative also criticized the Tinubu administration’s decision to close schools in response to the attacks, warning that such measures risk undermining the country’s commitment to universal education. According to the Envoy, shutting down schools not only denies children their fundamental right to education but also emboldens criminal groups by signaling that violence can dictate national policy.
“The closure of schools is not a solution to insecurity,” the statement read. “It is a surrender to fear that jeopardizes the future of millions of Nigerian children. The government must prioritize security measures that protect schools while keeping them open.”
The Envoy called for urgent collaboration between federal and state governments, local communities, and international partners to strengthen school safety initiatives, including the deployment of security personnel, investment in infrastructure, and community-based vigilance programs.
Reaffirming the UN’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in safeguarding education, the Envoy emphasized that the right to learn must never be compromised by acts of violence. The statement concluded with an appeal to the Nigerian government to act decisively, ensuring that schools remain centers of hope and opportunity rather than targets of fear.