NUT Protests in Kano, Threatens Nationwide School Shutdown Over Insecurity

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has threatened to shut down primary and secondary schools across Nigeria if the federal and state governments fail to guarantee the safety of teachers and pupils amid rising insecurity.

The warning comes amid growing concerns over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Ahoro-Esiele community in Oyo State. This incident sparked protests by teachers and led to the closure of public schools across the state.

In Kano, members of the union on Tuesday marched from Court Road, Gyadi Gyadi, to the Government House, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Say No to Banditry in Our Schools,” “Stop Kidnapping of Teachers & Students,” and “Government Must Wake Up and Act.”

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the Deputy Chairman of NUT in Kano State, Sunusi Dahiru Minjibir, urged authorities to take urgent action to rescue the abducted victims and secure schools across the country.

“We are calling on the government to act swiftly to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers. The safety of teachers and learners must be treated as a priority,” Mr Minjibir said.

He warned that the union could be forced to take drastic measures if attacks on schools persist.

“If the government fails to protect our schools and those within them, the union may have no option but to shut down schools across the country,” he added.

Government Reacts

Receiving the protesters on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Farouk Ibrahim, lamented the persistent insecurity facing the country.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, in the Office of the SSG, Aisha Abba Kailani, Ibrahim assured the union that the Kano State Government would support efforts aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State.

“The Kano State Government shares your concerns over the security situation and will support efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and their teachers,” Aisha said.

She also assured the protesters that their petition would be delivered to the governor.

“I assure you that the letter submitted by the union will be forwarded to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who will in turn present it to President Bola Tinubu for the necessary action,” she said.

The protest formed part of a nationwide solidarity action by the NUT to demand improved security in schools and the safe return of abducted teachers and students.