Following the recent trend of school closures in multiple states across Nigeria, including Bauchi, Niger, Yobe, Plateau, Katsina, Kwara and the FCT, Connected Development (CODE) is urging the Federal and State Ministries of Education, as well as the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), to deploy continued learning initiatives and models previously used during the COVID-19 school shutdowns.
CODE’s Acting Chief Executive, Hyladzira James Mshelia who made this known in a statement, explained that this will ensure that learning continues even as the government works to restore peace and security in affected communities.
The statement reads: “These closures of schools as a precaution against rising insecurity come at a time when Nigeria already faces one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children globally. According to CODE’s State of Basic Education in Nigeria (North East) report, 12,025 of the 21,585 girls enrolled in 221 secondary schools are re-enrolled students.
While this reflects some progress, it remains a troubling indicator that many girls continue to drop out, are pushed out of school, or struggle to sustain continuous learning during pauses in schooling.
“The report also highlights that students are learning in increasingly unsafe and undignified conditions, with many schools lacking perimeter fencing, functional classrooms, or gender-sensitive WASH facilities. These vulnerabilities leave children, especially girls, exposed to insecurity, harassment, and school dropout.
“School closures are a symptom of deeper systemic failures, and responding to attacks by shutting down learning spaces is not a sustainable solution. The urgent task before the government is to make schools safe, resilient, and functional so that Nigeria’s children do not lose their right to education.
“School closures due to emergencies, whether pandemics or security challenges, disrupt learning and risk leaving students behind. To ensure continuity, the government should adopt a multi-channel approach combining digital, broadcast, and printed resources. Online platforms such as Google Classroom, Zoom, and NERDC digital content can be strengthened, while teachers receive training and support to deliver lessons remotely. For students without internet access, educational programs can be broadcast on TV and radio, and printed learning materials can be safely distributed to homes.
“As a nation, we cannot secure our future if we fail to secure our children. Every additional day of school closures deepens learning gaps, fuels inequality, and threatens long-term peace and development, as well as undermines the broader investments that development partners have made in Nigeria’s education system. Children not in school are also more vulnerable to recruitment into crime and exploitation.
“CODE reaffirms its commitment to tracking school safety investments, providing evidence for advocacy, and amplifying citizen voices to demand accountability for Nigeria’s education system”, he concluded.
