The Cross River State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Tuesday joined a nationwide protest to demand urgent government intervention over rising insecurity in schools and other challenges affecting the education sector.
The protest followed the recent abduction of teachers and students in Oyo State, an incident that has sparked concerns among educators across the country.
Speaking during the demonstration, the State Chairman of the NUT, Comrade Gregory Olayi, condemned the worsening security situation and called for immediate action to secure schools and ensure the safe return of those still in captivity.
According to Olayi, reports from the Oyo incident indicated that one school principal was killed by the abductors, while fresh information suggested that additional captives may have lost their lives. He noted that several victims, including a two year old child, remain in the hands of their kidnappers.
He described education as the foundation of national development and warned that continued attacks on schools pose a serious threat to the country's future.
"When education is under attack, the nation itself is under attack. The safety of our teachers and students must be treated as a priority," he said.
Olayi also expressed concern over what he described as inadequate security arrangements in schools across Cross River State. He lamented the absence of security personnel in both primary and secondary schools, leaving teachers and pupils exposed to potential threats.
The union leader further highlighted the shortage of essential support staff in schools, including librarians, laboratory attendants, and computer personnel, despite repeated appeals to relevant authorities.
According to him, the union has consistently drawn attention to these challenges through education inspectors, zonal education secretaries, and coordinating directors, but little progress has been made.
He reiterated that the union's immediate concern remains the safe rescue and return of the abducted teachers and students while calling on government at all levels to strengthen security around educational institutions nationwide.
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