JUST IN: NUT Speaks on Shutting Down Schools in Borno Amid Rising Insecurity
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has ruled out the possibility of shutting down schools in Borno State despite growing security concerns in parts of the state.
The union said closing schools would only serve the interests of terrorists who have consistently targeted education and learning institutions in the region.
Speaking in Maiduguri on Tuesday, the National Publicity Secretary of the NUT, Comrade Yusuf Tom, said the union remained committed to ensuring that teaching and learning continue across the state.
He stressed that teachers would not be intimidated into abandoning classrooms because of threats from criminal groups.
Tom, who spoke on behalf of the Borno State Chairman of the union, Comrade Zali Garba, dismissed reports suggesting that the NUT was advocating for the closure of schools.
According to him, the union’s position is clear: education must continue despite the challenges posed by insecurity.
“We did not order the closure of schools in Borno State. If you close school, it is a victory for fear.
“Therefore, we will continue to encourage our teachers to teach in our respective schools, for us to continue to defeat their (terrorists’) game of seeing schools closed. That is what we are agitating for, we are not agitating for the closure of schools,” he said.
The union spokesman explained that rather than shutting down schools, the focus should be on improving security around educational institutions and ensuring that students and teachers can carry out their activities without fear.
He noted that the ongoing concerns over school abductions and attacks on educational facilities were responsible for the nationwide action being organised by the union.
Tom said the planned protest was intended to draw attention to the plight of students and teachers who have become victims of insecurity in different parts of the country.
“Education is part of human rights. But in recent times, the reverse is the case, and this is why we are organising this rally to make our voice heard so that our learners in Askira Uba of Mussa Primary and Secondary School will be released unconditionally.
“These children deserve human rights; they deserve protection. We want the government to intensify efforts in rescuing these children, teachers and colleagues in Borno and other states. The protest will take place nationwide and we are in solidarity with that,” he added.
