Stakeholders commemorating International Education Day have vowed to safeguard educational institutions in conflict-prone zones.
The stakeholders who claim to be committed to safeguarding educational institutions from attacks insist that the critical role education plays in the development of any society can not be over-emphasised.
Arewa PUNCH reports that the event, which is celebrated on September 9 of every year attracts educationists who highlight the urgent need to safeguard educational institutions, especially in conflict-prone regions.
Speaking on the significance of this day in an exclusive interview with Arewa PUNCH, a lecturer with Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic in Bauchi, Abdullahi Yelwa emphasised the critical role education plays in the development of any society and the importance of collective efforts in its protection.
According to Yelwa, “Celebrating this day is very important because people at all levels need to be reminded of the fact that the educational system deserves special protection.
It is the backbone of development for any given state. Without protecting education, society remains trapped in backwardness and darkness.”
He further explained that education in Nigeria faces multiple forms of attacks, both physical and otherwise, pointing to recurring incidents of insurgents and bandits targeting schools, leading to closures and instilling fear among students.
He recalled some of the most notorious cases, including the abduction of the Chibok girls and similar attacks in Niger and Sokoto states, which have left lasting scars on the nation’s education system.
These attacks, according to Yelwa, not only threaten the lives of students but also have long-term psychological effects, with many students too afraid to return to school.
Beyond the physical threats, Yelwa highlighted other forms of neglect that have plagued Nigeria’s education system.
He spoke on the poor state of educational facilities and the lack of basic teaching aids and amenities.
“The negligence or ‘I don’t care’ attitude of those responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of educational facilities is also a significant attack on education.
“Teachers often lack the tools they need to deliver quality education, while students are forced to learn in substandard environments,” he noted.
The don equally highlighted the content and relevance of Nigeria’s educational curriculum, describing it as outdated and disconnected from the realities of modern society.
He argued that “students are taught in a way that prepares them for a world that no longer exists, making it difficult for many to find meaningful employment after graduation.
“Education should be functional, equipping individuals with the skills to solve their problems and contribute to society. However, many of our graduates end up as job seekers rather than job providers,” Yelwa explained.
The sociologist who further expressed concern over the growing number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, which he described as a “dangerous trend” for the future of the country called on parents, communities, and the government to take responsibility for ensuring that children do not only enroll in school but also receive the support needed to succeed.
Another respondent, an advocate for safer education who works with the Young Leaders Network as a program officer in education, Charity Solomon emphasised the critical role that communities and the government must play in safeguarding schools.
Solomon stressed, “The government needs to take a leading role in carrying communities along whenever they plan or establish schools within local areas. When communities are involved, they tend to take ownership of the schools, see them as their own, and are more likely to support and protect them.”
She pointed out that community ownership fosters a sense of responsibility, making it easier for residents to participate in school activities and ensure the safety of students and school property.
Solomon insisted that “Communities can play a crucial role in reporting crimes and preventing vandalism. Through their local vigilantes, they are in a good position to detect and report threats or suspicious activities around schools.
“They should make it a priority to protect the schools from any harm and ensure that no member of the community engages in acts of vandalism or negligence,” she explained.
She also pointed out the need for communities to hold school administrators accountable “Whether through the Parent-Teacher Associations, PTAs or other community structures, they must ensure that resources provided for the school are properly utilised for the benefit of the students.
“By fostering transparency and accountability, communities can ensure that schools are safe and that the resources are put to good use, contributing to a more secure and effective learning environment.
Charity Solomon called for stronger collaboration between the government, communities, and school administrators to prevent attacks and ensure that schools are safe havens for learning.
This collective effort, Solomon noted, will help to mitigate the risks that schools face and foster a safer educational system for all.
