Tackling insecurity to guarantee access to quality education
The dire need for additional schools and classrooms in Nigeria, as highlighted by the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hamid Boboyi, has shed light on the challenges facing the country’s education sector.
However, it is imperative to acknowledge that these issues are further compounded by the prevailing insecurity plaguing the nation.
Insecurity, particularly in the form of insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes, has severely disrupted the learning environments across Nigeria. Schools have become targets for attacks, leading to the closure of educational institutions and the displacement of students and teachers.
The fear of violence has deterred parents from sending their children to school, exacerbating the already alarming number of out-of-school children in the country.
The continuous threat of violence has resulted in the exodus of qualified teachers from areas affected by insecurity. The lack of security and the constant fear for their lives have forced many educators to seek safer environments, leaving behind a significant shortage of teaching staff.
This shortage further hampers the quality of education and undermines the efforts to bridge the education gap in Nigeria.
Insecurity poses a significant obstacle to the construction and maintenance of schools and classrooms. The fear of attacks on educational facilities has discouraged investment in infrastructure development, making it increasingly challenging to meet the growing demand for educational spaces.
Without adequate infrastructure, the goal of providing quality education to all Nigerian children remains a distant dream.
The impact of insecurity on Nigeria’s education system extends beyond the immediate disruptions. The lack of access to quality education perpetuates a cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment, hindering the country’s overall development. Without a well-educated population, Nigeria will struggle to compete globally and achieve sustainable economic growth.
In the eyes of this publication, the relentless onslaught on schools by bandits and other criminal factions has injected a new layer of complexity into an already dire situation.
There is no denying that the education sector is in a state of utter crisis. The prevailing insecurity, particularly in the northern regions of the nation, has resulted in the abduction of innocent school children and the forced closure of educational institutions due to concerns for the safety of both students and teachers.
Disturbingly, a report from last year revealed that a staggering 615 schools have remained shuttered in troubled states, a consequence of terrorist attacks that have plagued various parts of the country.
This unfortunate reality has played a significant role in the alarming number of children who are now deprived of an education.
Regrettably, in our perspective, insecurity has emerged as a formidable obstacle to education, as parents understandably harbor reservations about sending their children to schools that have increasingly become prime targets for abductions.
The psychological trauma inflicted upon children who witness or experience these attacks is immeasurable, and it leaves a lasting impact on their desire to pursue education.
It is imperative that we recognise the interconnected nature of these issues. While constructing more schools and classrooms is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, it falls short of providing a comprehensive solution.
Without addressing the root cause of insecurity, these newly established educational facilities could easily become magnets for criminal elements.
In our view, the federal government must adopt a multifaceted approach to tackle this crisis. First and foremost, it is crucial to prioritise the safety and security of schools.
This entails deploying an ample number of security personnel and implementing effective strategies to deter attacks.
Furthermore, communities must be actively engaged and encouraged to play a proactive role in safeguarding their schools.
By fostering a sense of ownership and collective responsibility, communities can serve as a formidable force against those who seek to disrupt the education of their children.
The ongoing attacks on schools by bandits and other criminal elements have exacerbated an already dire situation in the education sector.
It is imperative that the federal government takes decisive action to ensure the safety of schools and address the root causes of insecurity. Only then can we hope to provide a secure and nurturing environment for our children to pursue their education without fear.
But, the federal and state governments must commit to a substantial investment in basic education. The call by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, for all states to provide counterpart funding is a step in the right direction.
Adequate funding is the lifeblood of quality education. It ensures that schools are equipped with qualified teachers, learning materials, and necessary infrastructure. However, funding alone is not enough. There must be a comprehensive overhaul of the education system to make it more accessible and appealing to students and parents alike.
This includes curriculum reforms that reflect the needs of a rapidly changing world, teacher training programs, and initiatives to promote and incentivize enrolment and attendance.
Moreover, special attention should be given to regions most affected by insecurity. These areas require not only additional security measures but also tailored educational programs that address the specific challenges they face. Education should serve as a beacon of hope in these troubled regions, offering a path to a brighter future for their children.
The private sector can also play a vital role in addressing the education crisis. Collaboration between government and private organisations can lead to innovative solutions and the mobilisation of additional resources.
The recent revelation that Nigeria requires an additional 20,000 schools and 907,769 classrooms serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need to address the crisis of out-of-school children.
However, it is important to acknowledge that this challenge is deeply intertwined with the issue of insecurity, particularly in regions where attacks on schools have become alarmingly frequent.
To effectively tackle this crisis, it is imperative for the government at all levels to adopt a holistic approach that prioritizes not only infrastructure but also security, funding, curriculum reform, and community engagement. Additionally, there must be a concerted effort to eradicate corruption from the education system.
Merely providing funding is not a panacea; it is crucial to ensure that the available resources are utilized judiciously.
Furthermore, the politicisation of the teaching profession exacerbates the problem. It has become a refuge for individuals who have failed in other fields, undermining the quality of education provided.
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive effort that aims to provide quality basic education to all children, regardless of their circumstances.
The future of Nigeria hinges on the education of its youth, and decisive action must be taken to secure that future.
The revelation of the need for an additional 20,000 schools and over 900,000 classrooms in Nigeria underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action to address the challenges facing the education sector.
While the lack of infrastructure and teaching staff are significant obstacles, it is crucial to recognise that insecurity poses an even greater threat. The government must prioritize the restoration of security, not only to protect the lives of its citizens but also to safeguard the future of basic education in the country.
A multi-faceted approach that combines investments in infrastructure, recruitment and training of teachers, and robust security measures is essential to ensure that every child in Nigeria has access to quality education, regardless of their geographical location. Only by addressing the root causes of insecurity can Nigeria hope to build a brighter future for its young minds and secure its place as a prosperous nation.
