Government Official Warns of Threats to Nigeria’s Education System
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. George Akume, emphasized on Wednesday that the ongoing closure of schools due to insecurity significantly undermines Nigeria’s education system and threatens the country’s long-term stability.
Dr. Akume pointed out that shutting down schools in areas plagued by violence not only disrupts students’ learning opportunities but also intensifies the existing educational crisis facing the nation.
Speaking at the inaugural triennial meeting of the Interfaith Council of Nigeria in Abuja, themed “Religious Literacy for National Unity,” Akume’s comments were relayed through a statement by his media aide, Yomi Odunuga.
The SGF advocated for enhanced government policies aimed at establishing safe schools and fostering violence-free learning environments. He stressed the urgency of addressing the deteriorating security situation within the education sector, warning that repeated attacks on schools and prolonged closures only exacerbate the country’s educational challenges.
Dr. Akume stated that guaranteeing student safety is paramount, asserting, “It is impossible to promote education when schools remain unsafe.” He highlighted that learning in an environment of fear is counterproductive, arguing that a nation cannot effectively advocate for literacy while educational institutions are under threat.
While acknowledging that religious studies are integrated into the national curriculum, the SGF called for prioritizing improvements in educational quality. This includes enhancing teacher training, providing better learning materials, and fostering values-based education to advance tolerance and responsible citizenship.
Beyond educational concerns, Dr. Akume urged religious and traditional leaders to take more proactive roles in violence prevention and unity promotion, particularly as the country gears up for the 2027 general elections. He appealed for faith-based organizations to spearhead grassroots mobilization, youth education, and peacebuilding initiatives, aiming to counter misinformation and the stereotypes that often lead to conflict.
He warned against the exploitation of religion and identity for political or economic gain, cautioning that such actions could incite violence and social unrest. Additionally, he noted Nigeria’s collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to promote responsible information sharing and highlighted the importance of integrating religious literacy with media and information literacy to combat the spread of falsehoods and hate speech.
Dr. Akume expressed confidence that the discussions at the NIREC conference would lead to tangible solutions for strengthening national cohesion. He urged all stakeholders to place education and literacy at the forefront of peacebuilding and development efforts.
