“In 2022 and 2023, attacks on schools in Nigeria persisted in the context of armed conflict in northeastern states due to the presence of non-state armed groups, as well as armed violence in northwestern and northcentral states due to pastoralist-farmer tensions. Military use of schools, particularly by non-state armed groups, increased” according to Education Under Attack Report 2024, Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attacks (GCPEA).
Attacks on students, teachers and schools jeopardize girls’ access to safe, quality education. Attacks on education can lead to child, early and forced marriages, unwanted pregnancies, stigmatization and psychological problems that reduce the likelihood of girls to return to school.[1]
[1] GCPEA (2019), "It's very painful to talk about": the impact of attacks on education for women and girls http://protectingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/ documents_french_impact_of_attacks_on_education.pdf
ABUJA, NIGERIA: 9th SEPTEMBER 2024: In commemoration of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, Save the Children International Nigeria calls for an urgent reflection on the state of education in Nigeria and the world, on the many barriers children face in the bid to attain quality education in a safe environment.
With every single attack on education, the risks become more real for many children in Nigeria. Children suffer from the disastrous effects of attacks on their educational institutions and the personal assault that follows. In this context, many will no longer have the chance to return to school; their most basic right to learning and protection is violated. They are exposed to additional forms of violence, including child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and child labour, The short-term effect is the failure to attain educational outcomes for children, the long term a negative impact on society’s human capital development.
“When schools are targeted, dreams are disrupted. Therefore, I would like to urge all stakeholders to come together to protect education from attack and uphold the values of peace and security standing united with a strong defense that every child deserves a safe place to learn” said Hon. Madina Abdulkadir, former Speaker of Borno State Children Parliament and Save the Children International Nigeria’s Girl Champion.
Duncan Harvey, Country Director, Save the Children International Nigeria, said “The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Nigeria’s Child Rights Act and the several subnational Child Protection Laws, recognize that education for children is a fundamental right, and that education plays an essential role in enabling children to attain many of their other human rights. We all have a collective responsibility to sustain the momentum to ensure that children fulfil this right, regardless of their individual circumstances.”
“To this end, Save the Children’s education program in Nigeria focuses on ensuring learning continuity for children in conflict settings, improving literacy and numeracy competency skills and supporting teachers and learners' well-being. This is done through providing temporary learning spaces for children, supporting enrolment and the re-enrolment of out of school children,” Duncan Harvey said.
Save the Children calls upon the Government of Nigeria to accelerate the full implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD). The SSD is a great tool that sets the responsibilities of each country including Nigeria in securing and protecting their schools against attacks. Nigeria has been part of the wave of endorsements to demonstrate their willingness to comply with international standards. Adherence to the SSD guidelines means that Nigeria commits to take substantial actions to uphold the implementation of the declaration and its guidelines.
Disruption of the learning and teaching process should therefore be prevented at all times. Hence, Save the Children urges for the comprehensive adoption and implementation of the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This includes making financing arrangements for policy implementation and equipping local communities on Early Warning Systems.
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About Save the Children
Established over 100 years ago, Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Nigeria and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm. When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we are always among the first to respond and the last to leave. We ensure children’s unique needs are met and their voices are heard. Save the Children delivers lasting results for millions of children, including those who are hardest to reach. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future that we share. Save the Children operates in over 120 countries worldwide and has been working in Nigeria since 2001.
For further information, please contact: Mogbonjubade Adesulure; Digital Media and Communication Specialist; Save the Children International Nigeria; Email: Mogbonjubade.Adesulure@savethechildren.org; Tele. +234 7069219642
