Worsening Security Threatening Future Of Millions Of Nigerian Children — ASUSS

The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) has raised alarm over the worsening security situation in the country, warning that it is seriously undermining access to education and threatening the future of millions of Nigerian children.

The union called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of abducted victims and restore safety across affected communities, in Orire local government of Oyo State.

In a statement signed by the National President, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Felix Oluwaseun Agbesanwa and made available to Newsmen in Osogbo, ASUSS commended the efforts and sacrifices of security agencies in confronting insecurity nationwide, but insisted that greater urgency and coordination are now required.

“We acknowledge and commend the commitment of our security agencies in the ongoing fight against insecurity and their efforts to protect lives and property,” the statement noted.

However, ASUSS warned that the persistent attacks on schools and communities are increasingly undermining access to education, creating fear among parents, students, and teachers, and disrupting academic activities across many parts of the country.

The union cautioned that if the trend continues, it could significantly increase the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria. “The continuous insecurity targeting schools, abduction of students and teachers, and the unsafe learning environment are severely affecting school attendance and may push more children out of school,” ASUSS stated.

The union stressed that education cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and violence, noting that many parents are now withdrawing their children from school due to safety concerns, while some schools in high-risk areas are struggling to operate effectively.

ASUSS called on all security formations, including the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Amotekun Corps, to intensify intelligence-led operations and strengthen inter-agency collaboration to rescue abducted victims and restore safety to learning environments.

“The safety of our schools and communities must be treated as an urgent national priority. Security agencies must not relent in their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property,” the union emphasized.

It further urged all tiers of government to prioritize the protection of educational institutions by strengthening security surveillance, particularly in vulnerable and rural areas where schools are most exposed.

ASUSS expressed solidarity with families of abducted victims and prayed for their safe return, while calling on Nigerians to support security operations through credible and timely information sharing.

The union reaffirmed its commitment to continued advocacy for safer schools and the protection of teachers and students across the country.