Government cautions that prolonged school shutdowns could destabilize the country

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The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr George Akume, on Wednesday warned against the continued closure of schools due to insecurity, saying it poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s education system and long-term national stability.

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Akume said shutting down schools in unsafe areas not only disrupts learning but also deepens the country’s education crisis.

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A statement by Akume’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, said the SGF spoke in Abuja at the first triannual meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council, held under the theme, “Religious Literacy for National Cohesion.”

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The SGF called for the strengthening of government policies on safe schools and violence-free learning environments.

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“The SGF also raised concerns over insecurity in the education sector, warning that attacks on schools and prolonged closures in unsafe areas continue to worsen Nigeria’s education crisis.

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“He said government policies on safe schools and violence-free learning environments must be strengthened to protect children and ensure uninterrupted learning,” the statement partly read.

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According to him, it was impossible to encourage children to learn when schools were not secure.

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“A child cannot learn fraternity in fear; a nation cannot preach literacy while schools are under threat,” he said.

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Akume emphasised that while religious studies are already part of the school curriculum, priority must now be placed on improving teaching quality through better-trained educators, enhanced learning materials and value-based education that promotes tolerance and responsible citizenship.

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Beyond education, the SGF urged religious and traditional leaders to play a more active role in preventing violence and fostering unity as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

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He said faith-based and traditional institutions must lead efforts in grassroots mobilisation, youth education and peace-building to counter misinformation, stereotypes and identity-based divisions that often trigger conflict.

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“The 2027 general elections are fast approaching, and religious and traditional leaders have a moral responsibility to strengthen collaboration, promote tolerance and ensure peaceful coexistence in their communities,” Akume said.

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He warned against the manipulation of religion and identity for political or economic gains, noting that such actions often fuel violence and social unrest.

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Akume also stressed the importance of combining religious literacy with media and information literacy to combat the spread of falsehoods and hate speech, referencing Nigeria’s collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation on promoting responsible information sharing.

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He added that the Federal Government had put measures in place to support religious and traditional institutions in sustaining peace and security ahead of the elections.

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The SGF expressed optimism that deliberations at the NIREC meeting would yield practical solutions to strengthen national cohesion, while urging stakeholders to prioritise education and literacy as key tools for peace-building and development.

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