Can Virtual Classes Keep Nigerian Students Learning Amid School Kidnappings?

FG unveils digital platform to host virtual classes for primary, secondary schools

Nigeria’s education sector is facing one of its most challenging moments. Millions of children across the country are struggling to continue learning because of insecurity, especially in the North, where school kidnappings have become a worrying trend. In a bid to keep students in the classroom, the Federal Ministry of Education has launched the Inspire Live(s) Online Real-Time Classes Initiative. The programme aims to give students across Junior and Senior Secondary School levels access to quality education, even when traditional schools are closed.

In recent years, attacks on schools have forced several northern state governments to temporarily close schools. This has left thousands of pupils out of school, widened learning gaps, and increased the risk of students dropping out altogether. For parents and teachers, the fear for their children’s safety has become a daily concern. It is against this backdrop that the Ministry’s online initiative becomes a critical lifeline.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa said the programme is designed to “democratise access to quality education and ensure no child is left behind, regardless of location or circumstance.” To ensure continuity, the classes are delivered live via Cisco Webex by certified master teachers. Students can access a wide range of subjects—from Mathematics, English, and Science to Agricultural Science, Civic Education, and ICT—allowing learning to continue despite disruptions.

Experts have welcomed the initiative but also warned of challenges. Professor Funke Adeyemi, an education strategist, said, “Online learning can help bridge gaps created by insecurity, teacher shortages, and regional disparities. However, it will only work if there is steady internet access, well-trained teachers, and awareness in communities—conditions that are not always available across Nigeria.”

Stakeholders also stress that state governments must provide ICT infrastructure in schools, while principals and parents must ensure proper registration and participation. The Ministry has asked each state to appoint a focal officer to coordinate the programme, in a bid to make sure it reaches all eligible students.

Without a doubt, the Inspire Live(s) is a bold step in the right direction, but can it effectively replace the need for safer schools and stronger infrastructure? That is the question that experts are asking. However, in a country where fear sometimes keeps children out of classrooms, online learning offers hope. For Nigeria to truly secure its future, a safe learning environment, technology, and community support must work together to keep children learning and growing, no matter the circumstances.