THE Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), has put its members on standby to begin a nationwide industrial action following what it described as a threat to education, especially Teachers, Workers and school children.

The union condemned the latest attacks in Kebbi and Niger states, branding the insecurity as a national emergency that threatens the country’s entire education system.

Speaking on behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union, NUT President Comrade Audu Amba expressed outrage over the brutal killing of a vice principal and a security guard, as well as the recent mass abductions.

These included the kidnapping of 25 female students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, and over 300 pupils and 12 staff members of St. Mary’s Catholic Schools, Papiri, Niger State.

“These barbaric attacks are unacceptable. We call on the Federal Government to bring these attacks to an end to prevent the total collapse of the education system,” Amba declared.

The union lamented the horrifying history of mass kidnappings over the last decade, citing major incidents such as the Chibok abduction (2014), Dapchi (2018), Kaduna Forestry College and GSS Jangebe (2021), and the kidnapping of 287 pupils in Kuriga, Kaduna (2024).

Amba stressed that this relentless series of attacks is not merely an assault on schools but “an assault on the entire foundation of education and sustainable development in Nigeria.”

The NUT expressed deep concern that the surge in attacks has forced the closure of schools in affected states, jeopardising the future of millions of children.

The union specifically criticised the government’s failure to fully implement the Safe Schools Declaration, which Nigeria has endorsed, noting that the Senate recently ordered an investigation into the implementation of the associated Safe School Fund.

“We demand intensified efforts to rescue abducted students and staff, and the immediate strengthening of security around schools, particularly in high-risk areas,” the NUT stated.

The union emphasised that education is the backbone of national development and that teachers are central to quality learning. “For Nigeria to take its rightful place among nations, government must secure the right of every child to learn in a safe, conducive environment,” Amba said.

He warned that if the deadly attacks continue, “the union will have no option but to direct all teachers to stay away from classrooms until their safety is guaranteed.”

The NUT also conveyed its sympathy to the families of the victims and urged the perpetrators of these crimes to be tracked down and prosecuted without delay.