Teachers’ Union Decries Worsening Insecurity In Nigeria

Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) has raised the alarm over the worsening security situation in the country, warning that it is seriously undermining access to education and threatening the future of millions of Nigerian children.

The union called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of abducted victims and restore safety across affected communities, in Orire local government of Oyo State.

A statement jointly signed by the national president, Comrade Sola Adigun, and national public relations officer, Comrade Felix Oluwaseun Agbesanwa, commended the efforts and sacrifices of security agencies in confronting insecurity nationwide, but insisted that greater urgency and coordination are now required.

“We acknowledge and commend the commitment of our security agencies in the ongoing fight against insecurity and their efforts to protect lives and property,” the statement noted.

However, ASUSS warned that the persistent attacks on schools and communities are increasingly undermining access to education, creating fear among parents, students, and teachers, and disrupting academic activities across many parts of the country.

The union cautioned that if the trend continues, it could significantly increase the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria. “The continuous insecurity targeting schools, abduction of students and teachers, and the unsafe learning environment are severely affecting school attendance and may push more children out of school,” ASUSS stated.

The union stressed that education cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and violence, noting that many parents are now withdrawing their children from school due to safety concerns, while some schools in high-risk areas are struggling to operate effectively.