KEY POINTS

• Teachers and labour unions in Adamawa staged a protest in Yola over rising school abductions and the continued captivity of teachers and students kidnapped in Oyo State.
• The protesters called for stronger security around schools and full implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration.
• The Nigeria Union of Teachers warned that insecurity is threatening education across the country and demanded urgent government action.

Teachers in Adamawa State on Tuesday joined nationwide protests against the growing wave of school abductions in Nigeria, calling on authorities to urgently rescue teachers, students, and a school principal abducted in Oyo State.

The demonstration, which attracted members of organised labour and education stakeholders, was part of a coordinated action by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) across the country to draw attention to worsening insecurity in schools.

The protesters marched through major streets in Yola before converging on the Adamawa State Government House, where they submitted their demands to the state government.

Leading the protest were the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Adamawa State, Comrade Faisal Mohammed, and the Chairman of Organised Labour in the state, Comrade Emmanuel Fashe.

Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the demonstrators expressed concern over the increasing attacks on schools, kidnappings of students, and threats facing teachers across various parts of the country.

They argued that educational institutions are becoming increasingly vulnerable to criminal attacks, creating fear among both teachers and students.

Addressing protesters during the demonstration, Comrade Emmanuel Fashe condemned the continued abduction of schoolchildren and teachers nationwide.

He warned that the country’s education sector is facing a serious security crisis and called for immediate measures to safeguard learning environments.

According to him, schools should remain safe spaces for teaching and learning rather than becoming targets for criminal groups.

Fashe urged authorities at all levels to strengthen security around educational institutions and implement effective measures capable of preventing future attacks.

NUT Demands Implementation of Safe Schools Declaration

At the Government House, Comrade Faisal Mohammed formally presented the demands of the NUT’s national leadership to the administration of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.

The union called for the full implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration, an initiative designed to protect schools, students, teachers, and educational facilities during periods of conflict and insecurity.

The NUT also demanded stronger security measures across schools nationwide and urged authorities to prioritise the safety of both learners and educators.

According to the union, the protection of schools is essential to preserving the future of education in Nigeria.

The protest comes amid growing public concern over the abduction of teachers, pupils, and a school principal in Oyo State.

The incident has triggered demonstrations by teachers and labour groups across several states, with many demanding immediate action to secure the victims’ release.

The NUT has maintained that governments must do more to address the security challenges facing schools and prevent similar incidents from recurring.

The union highlighted the persistent attacks on schools in parts of northeastern Nigeria, particularly in communities within Gombi and Hong Local Government Areas of Adamawa State and Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to the teachers, many schools in these areas have experienced repeated threats from armed groups, forcing some communities to suspend educational activities.

The NUT argued that inadequate security measures have left teachers and pupils exposed to kidnappers and other criminal elements.