The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has said it will not support the closure of schools in Borno State despite the ongoing security challenges, insisting that shutting down learning centres would amount to handing victory to terrorists.
Speaking in an exclusive interview in Maiduguri, the union’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Yusuf Tom, who represented the state chairman, Comrade Zali Garba, said the NUT remains committed to keeping schools operational in the face of insecurity.
According to him, closing schools would only encourage insurgents and undermine efforts to protect education in the state.
“We did not order the closure of schools in Borno State. If you close schools, it is a victory for fear,” Tom said.
He added that teachers across the state would continue their duties, stressing that education must not be disrupted by threats from non-state actors.
“We will continue to encourage our teachers to remain in their various schools so that we defeat the agenda of those who want schools shut down. That is not our position,” he stated.
Tom also said the union’s planned nationwide rally is aimed at drawing government attention to the rising cases of abductions targeting schools and education workers.
He stressed that education is a fundamental human right, lamenting what he described as worsening attacks on learners and teachers in parts of the country.
“These children deserve protection and justice. We are calling on government to intensify efforts to secure the release of abducted students and staff in Borno and other states,” he said, referring to pupils from Askira Uba.
The NUT confirmed that teachers across all 36 states would participate in coordinated rallies to demand stronger security measures and the safe return of abducted students and educators.
The action follows a directive from the union’s national leadership, issued in a circular dated May 29, 2026, and signed by President Audu Amba and Secretary Clinton Ikpitibo.
The union said the protests are meant to highlight growing insecurity in the education sector and press authorities to act decisively.