Sokoto: School closures not the answer, security adviser warns

From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto

The Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (retd), has warned that the growing practice of shutting down schools in northern Nigeria due to insecurity is counterproductive and risks deepening the region’s educational and socio-economic challenges.

Usman said that while the government must prioritise the safety of students and teachers, resorting to school closures should not become a routine response to rising attacks and threats.

He cautioned that such measures undermine children’s fundamental right to education and may inadvertently embolden violent actors.

“I am not in support of the closure of schools in our region because this is a serious setback, and it encourages the perpetrators. Instead, the government should rise to the occasion and address the insecurity in our region and country, perhaps by applying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures,” he said.

He said that Northern Nigeria’s long-term stability hinges on safeguarding uninterrupted access to quality education.

He urged federal and state governments, security agencies, and community leaders to strengthen collaboration and adopt comprehensive strategies to protect schools and restore public confidence.

The SA called for improved intelligence gathering, community-driven security initiatives, and enhanced welfare for security personnel as part of efforts to curb attacks.

He also emphasised the role of non-kinetic interventions such as dialogue, youth empowerment, rehabilitation of vulnerable groups, and addressing drivers of insecurity like poverty and unemployment.

Reaffirming the commitment of the Ahmed Aliyu administration to the safety and development of citizens, especially children, Usman appealed to parents, traditional rulers, and civil society organisations to support ongoing efforts to restore peace.

He stressed that ensuring safe learning environments remains crucial to the region’s future, warning that shutting down schools should not replace decisive action against insecurity.