The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has raised a serious concern about the growing impact of insecurity on Nigeria’s education system, warning that the continued closure of schools could have long-term consequences for the country’s stability.

Speaking in Abuja at a meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), Akume stressed that shutting down schools in unsafe areas does more than disrupt academic calendars, it deepens an already fragile education crisis.

His message was clear: education cannot thrive in fear.

“A child cannot learn… while schools are under threat,” he said, highlighting the harsh reality faced by many students across the country.

Over the past few years, attacks on schools and rising insecurity have forced repeated closures in certain regions, leaving thousands of children out of classrooms. While these decisions are often made for safety reasons, Akume warned that the long-term cost may be far greater.

Lost learning time.
Increased dropout rates.
A generation at risk.

To address this, he called for stronger implementation of policies that ensure safe and violence-free learning environments. According to him, protecting schools is not just about education, it’s about safeguarding the future.

But his concerns didn’t stop there.

Akume also pointed to the role of education in shaping national unity. Beyond academic knowledge, he emphasized the need for value-based learning that promotes tolerance, responsible citizenship, and mutual respect, especially in a diverse society like Nigeria.

This is where religious and traditional leaders come in.

As the country gradually moves toward the 2027 general elections, Akume urged these leaders to take a more active role in promoting peace and preventing conflict. He highlighted their influence at the grassroots level, calling on them to guide communities away from division and toward unity.

He also warned against the dangerous use of religion and identity as political tools—something that has, in the past, fueled tension and unrest.

In today’s digital age, he added, another layer of responsibility exists: combating misinformation.

Referencing Nigeria’s collaboration with UNESCO, Akume stressed the importance of combining religious literacy with media and information literacy to tackle fake news, hate speech, and harmful narratives.

Because in many cases, it’s not just physical threats that divide communities, but the stories people believe.

Still, there’s a note of optimism.

The Federal Government, he said, is already putting measures in place to support peace-building efforts and strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders. He expressed hope that discussions at the NIREC meeting would lead to practical solutions that address both education and national cohesion.

At its core, Akume’s message is simple but urgent: A nation that cannot protect its schools cannot fully protect its future.

And as Nigeria navigates insecurity, political transitions, and social challenges, the question remains, will education be treated as a priority, or continue to bear the weight of instability?