Impact of Insecurity on Education in Northern Nigeria
The ongoing insecurity in Northern Nigeria has led to the closure of at least 188 public schools, severely disrupting the education of thousands of children. This crisis is particularly acute in states like Zamfara, Niger, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, and Benue, where attacks by bandits and other armed groups have forced many communities to flee their homes. As a result, some schools have been repurposed as shelters for internally displaced persons (IDPs), while others remain abandoned.
School Closures Across Northern States
In Zamfara State, 39 schools have been shut down, with 20 being primary schools and 19 secondary schools. In Niger, 18 primary schools, one secondary school, and 11 nomadic designated schools are closed. Sokoto State has seen the closure of three secondary schools, two technical colleges, and one primary school. These closures are part of a larger trend that affects several states across the region.
The situation is even more dire in Katsina and Benue, where 52 and 55 schools respectively have been shut down. However, these figures may not reflect the full extent of the problem, as some areas remain inaccessible due to ongoing violence.
The Broader Education Crisis
Nigeria is facing an alarming education crisis, with over 10 million children of primary school age and another 8.1 million of junior secondary school age out of school. According to the National Mass Education Programme Initiative (NMPI), Katsina State alone has 1.4 million out-of-school children, representing 45.9% of its school-age population. Similarly, Kebbi State has 67.6% of its school-age population out of school, with over 1.06 million children missing from classrooms.
Sokoto State also has 1.25 million out-of-school children, making it one of the worst-affected regions. These statistics highlight the severity of the issue, as the lack of access to education is deepening cycles of poverty and illiteracy.
Specific Cases of School Closures
In Sokoto State, key boarding schools such as the Federal Government Technical College, Wurno, and Government Girls’ Secondary School, Rabah, have remained closed for years. In Sabon Birni LGA, displaced villagers occupy school buildings during the night, vacating them during the day for classes. In Manawa community, the only primary school has been taken over by bandits who use it as a resting point.
In Zamfara State, many schools in bandits-prone LGAs such as Anka, Tsafe, and Kaura Namoda have been abandoned for over six years. Only a few schools in Anka town remain functional under military protection. In Tsafe, schools like GSS Danjibga and GSS Yankuzo have been turned into accommodations for security operatives.
In Niger State, schools like the Government Science College, Kagara, have been shut and converted to military camps. Other affected schools include Teacher’s Professional Development Institute, Dandaudu, and Mamman Kontagora Technical College, Pandogari in Rafi LGA. Across Rafi, Shiroro, and Mariga LGAs, over 20 schools are deserted, with many pupils having dropped out.
Displacement and Its Effects on Education
Displaced communities have had to relocate to urban centers, often merging into existing schools or facing limited access to education. In Kaduna, villages such as Karimai and Cibiya are deserted, leaving at least six schools empty. Pupils from abandoned schools have been relocated to towns like Udawa, but overcrowded classrooms and limited resources make it difficult for them to continue their studies.
In Kebbi State, the abduction of 96 students from Federal Government Girls College, Birnin Yauri, in 2021 has left many parents hesitant to send their children to school. Some have moved their children to safer areas, while others have kept them home to avoid the risk of further attacks.
Benue State: A Growing Crisis
In Benue, 55 schools were closed in 2024 and turned into IDP shelters. Many classrooms now host displaced families, and learning has been interrupted across 23 local government areas affected by recurring invasions. In Gwer West and Guma, most council wards no longer have functioning schools as residents have fled and armed groups have taken over their communities.
Kwara State: Limited Access to Education
Though less affected, Kwara State has seen disruptions in Patigi LGA, where schools like Nyamikpan LGEA Primary School were shut after recent attacks. Attendance in some reopened schools has dropped significantly, with fear and uncertainty reducing turnout drastically. The state government is considering radio lessons for children in affected communities, as online learning faces challenges due to poor network connectivity.
Long-Term Consequences
Experts warn that prolonged school closures will deepen illiteracy and poverty, leading to long-term consequences for the region. Michael Banda from UNICEF’s Kano Field Office highlighted the devastating impact of insecurity on education, pointing to rising out-of-school numbers, learning losses, and trauma among pupils.
Aliyu Abdullahi, a school teacher, said that without urgent action, a whole generation will miss out on formal education. Lamin Ismail Daba, a security expert, warned that the end result of missing school is criminality, as children denied access to education may turn to crime or other forms of survival.
Despite efforts to address the issue, official responses from the military and government officials remain limited, leaving many communities in limbo. The crisis continues to unfold, with far-reaching implications for the future of education in Northern Nigeria.
