Introduction to the Report
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Niger state Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education have unveiled a report highlighting the devastating impact of insecurity on education in the state. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the report was unveiled on Wednesday in Minna during a one-day dissemination on the impact of insecurity on access to learning in Niger State.
Methodology of the Study
The study, which adopted a mixed-methods approach, collected primary and secondary data from 20 schools in Shiroro, Munya, and Rafi Local Government Areas from 2020 to 2025. According to the findings, 114 schools were shut down due to insecurity, with 29 re-opened.
Key Findings of the Report
In her remarks, Vanessa Lee, Chief of Education, UNICEF Nigeria, said that key findings revealed that insecurity had impacted access to quality learning, with various forms of communal conflict and criminal activities affecting the education system in the state. Lee, represented by Mr Believe Eke, Education Specialist, UNICEF Abuja, said that the report offers evidence-based insights into the human, social, and economic consequences of ongoing insecurity.
Impact of Insecurity on Education
The report revealed that communities had adopted coping strategies to ensure continuity of learning despite adversity and disruption of schooling. Also, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in the state, Dr Hadiza Mohammed, expressed concern over the impact of insecurity on education in the state. “Insecurity has posed a serious threat to our education system, from the safety of learners and teachers to the very ability of schools to function effectively,” she said.
State Government’s Commitment to Education
Mohammed said the state government was committed to ensuring every child had access to safe, inclusive and quality education. According to her, out of 45 secondary schools shut due to insecurity, 33 have been reopened while 12 are yet to be opened. Mohammed disclosed that the state government had created a stakeholder committee for school safety and education reform across the 25 local governments.
Presentation of the Report
Presenting the report, Mr Saviour Kolo, Consultant from Oxford report, said the key findings showed banditry and kidnapping as the most prevalent forms of insecurity in the state, with over 370 incidents reported between 2020 and 2025. Kolo said the study revealed that 27 learners and 4 staff were abducted, while one learner was killed during the period under review.
Recommendations of the Study
Kolo said that the study recommended support for livelihood recovery and social protection by tackling the root causes of insecurity through economic development and social welfare for conflict-affected households. He added that the study’s findings also highlighted the urgent need for decisive, coordinated, and adequately funded interventions to address the impact of insecurity on education. Kolo also said that the study recommended upgrading infrastructure in schools, setting up an early warning system, training teachers and older students in emergency response, and supporting community-based learning spaces, among others.
Conclusion
The report highlights the devastating impact of insecurity on education in Niger State, with 114 schools shut down and 29 re-opened. The state government has committed to ensuring every child has access to safe, inclusive, and quality education. The study recommends support for livelihood recovery and social protection, as well as upgrading infrastructure in schools and setting up an early warning system.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of the report?
A: The main focus of the report is the impact of insecurity on education in Niger State.
Q: How many schools were shut down due to insecurity?
A: 114 schools were shut down due to insecurity, with 29 re-opened.
Q: What are the most prevalent forms of insecurity in the state?
A: Banditry and kidnapping are the most prevalent forms of insecurity in the state.
Q: How many learners and staff were abducted?
A: 27 learners and 4 staff were abducted, while one learner was killed during the period under review.
Q: What are the recommendations of the study?
A: The study recommends support for livelihood recovery and social protection, upgrading infrastructure in schools, setting up an early warning system, training teachers and older students in emergency response, and supporting community-based learning spaces, among others.
