The Nigerian Academy of Education has decried the resurgence of school attacks by terrorists, warning that Nigeria’s education system is “under siege” and edging toward collapse as relentless attacks on schools devastate learners, teachers and communities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, and signed by both its President and Secretary General, the Academy said at least 92 school invasions, 2,500 abducted learners, over 180 children killed, 90 injured and more than 90 still missing have been recorded since the 2014 Chibok abduction, culminating in the latest attack at St. Mary’s School, Niger State, on November 21.
NAE also noted that over one million children now live in fear of going to school.
“These are not statistics but shattered dreams, grieving families and a generation at risk,” the Academy said, lamenting that education, the bedrock of national development, is being eroded by mounting violence.
While acknowledging government efforts such as the Safe Schools Declaration and the National Plan for Financing Safe Schools, the NAE said these measures remain grossly inadequate, creating only “a false sense of security” as schools in the North-East and Middle Belt remain soft targets.
The Academy warned that insecurity has triggered a collapse of public confidence, with schools lacking basic governance structures, emergency response systems and secure infrastructure.
It noted the psychological toll on learners, teachers and families, the severe trauma and anxiety which ultimately leads to burnout and emotional breakdown.
“The ripple effects extend deep into the economy as millions of children are out of school, communities destabilised, and long-term human capital greatly diminished,” it noted.
While calling for decisive intervention, the NAE demanded full protection for learners and school personnel in line with national and international obligations, stringent punishment for perpetrators, improved intelligence coordination, trauma care for victims and compensation for bereaved families.
“Education is the lifeblood of any nation. If Nigeria fails to protect its schools and its young ones, it fails to protect its future,” the statement read.
The Academy urged government, security agencies and civil society to rise above rhetoric and take bold, coordinated action. “The time for promises has passed, the time for results is now.