By Our Correspondent
National News – The Federal Government has warned that continued closure of schools due to insecurity poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s education system and long-term national stability, urging urgent action to safeguard learning environments across affected regions.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr George Akume, spoke in Abuja on Wednesday at the first triannual meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) on the theme “Religious Literacy for National Cohesion,” warning that insecurity and repeated school closures are worsening Nigeria’s education crisis.
He noted that attacks on schools and prolonged shutdowns in unsafe areas not only disrupt learning but also deepen inequality and weaken national stability.
According to him, a child cannot learn in fear, and no nation can achieve literacy when schools are under threat.
He further called for stronger safe-school policies, improved teacher training, better learning materials, and collaboration with religious and traditional leaders to promote peace ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Akume also stressed the need to counter misinformation, hate speech, and identity-based violence through religious and media literacy, with support from UNESCO initiatives.
Akume expressed optimism that the deliberations at NIREC would produce practical solutions to strengthen national cohesion and protect the education sector.
He urged stakeholders, including faith-based institutions, traditional rulers, and community leaders, to intensify grassroots mobilisation and youth engagement to prevent violence and promote peaceful coexistence.
The Federal Government, he added, has introduced measures to support safe-school initiatives and enhance security around learning facilities, especially in high-risk areas.
He emphasised that protecting education is essential for national development, economic growth, and long-term stability, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, where unity and tolerance will be critical for peaceful democratic participation.
He reiterated that school safety remains a cornerstone of national stability and warned against politicisation of education security issues.
He called on all levels of government to prioritise safe learning environments to ensure uninterrupted academic calendars across Nigeria.
He urged urgent collective action from citizens and institutions.
