UNICEF has warned that Nigeria’s schools remain vulnerable to attacks despite the country being the first in the world to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration.
At an event in Maiduguri marking the International Day for the Protection of Education from Attack, UNICEF Nigeria Education Manager, Muhammad Riaz, said insecurity continues to disrupt learning in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. He urged federal and state governments to match their commitments with increased funding for infrastructure and security. “Without adequate financing, nothing will happen,” Riaz said, stressing the need for fenced schools, trained security personnel, and safe learning environments.
Figures presented at the event showed global attacks on schools have risen by 44%, leaving thousands of children and teachers dead, abducted or traumatised. Local education campaigner Sadiq Abubakar said more than a decade of insurgency had devastated classrooms across the north-east, and warned that underfunding threatens the future of entire communities.
Stakeholders called for stronger partnerships and action to ensure schools remain places of learning, not targets of violence. They also urged authorities to prioritise children in conflict-affected areas where the risk of attacks remains high.
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