By Joseph Erunke, Abuja
Teachers under the umbrella of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Federal Capital Territory, FCT Wing, on Tuesday took to the streets of Abuja in a massive solidarity rally, declaring that educators must no longer be left vulnerable to kidnappers, bandits and violent criminals operating across the country.
The protest, held under the theme “United for Education, Together for Our Future”, was a direct response to the recent wave of attacks on schools and the abduction of students and teachers in parts of Nigeria, particularly in Oyo and Borno states.
Marching from the Federal Ministry of Education headquarters to Area 11, hundreds of teachers, union leaders and education stakeholders carried placards bearing messages such as “End the Reign of Fear in Our Schools,” “Teachers Deserve Security, Not Fear,” and “Kidnapping Has No Place in Education.”
The demonstration came amid growing outrage over the abduction of at least 82 pupils in separate attacks between May 13 and May 15 in Oyo and Borno states.
In Borno, armed groups reportedly abducted 42 pupils after attacking schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas, while another 40 pupils were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The Oyo incident also resulted in the death of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, alongside a motorcyclist and security personnel involved in rescue operations.
Addressing protesters, NUT FCT Chairman Abdullahi Shafa said the rally was organised in compliance with a nationwide directive issued by the union’s national leadership to draw attention to the worsening security situation in schools.
According to him, the killing of teachers and abduction of students represent a grave threat to Nigeria’s education sector and the future of millions of children.
“We are acting on the directives of the National Headquarters of this union. They instructed us in every state of the federation to embark on a solidarity rally in protest against what has happened to our teachers and students in parts of the country,” Shafa said.
He described the killing of the Oyo teacher as tragic and unacceptable, stressing that educators who dedicate their lives to shaping future generations should not become victims of violence.
“A teacher who devoted his life to educating children was brutally killed without any just cause. It is painful, horrifying and devastating that someone committed to improving society could meet such a fate,” he lamented.
Shafa warned that persistent attacks on schools were creating an atmosphere of fear among teachers, especially those serving in rural communities where access to education is already limited.
“Teachers do not deserve this treatment. We are present in every corner of this country, often working under difficult conditions to ensure children receive education. Targeting teachers is an attack on the future of Nigeria,” he stated.
The union leader argued that insecurity in schools could discourage educators from accepting postings to underserved areas, thereby worsening educational inequalities.
“When teachers are kidnapped, entire communities are denied access to education. That is why we are out here today, to tell the government that teachers across Nigeria are deeply concerned and unhappy with the current situation,” he added.
Calling for urgent intervention, Shafa urged federal and state authorities to strengthen security around educational institutions through improved infrastructure and protective measures.
“Our message is clear: the government must be more proactive. Secure our schools, protect our teachers and students, build perimeter fences around schools, and create an environment where learning can take place without fear,” he said.
He emphasised that the rally was a peaceful one-day action but noted that the union would await further directives from its national leadership should the security situation fail to improve.
The protest ended with participants submitting a letter to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, urging authorities to take immediate steps to safeguard schools, ensure the safe return of abducted victims and bring perpetrators of attacks on educational institutions to justice.
