National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Titus Amba, has warned that teachers across the country may withdraw their services if the worsening insecurity in schools is not urgently addressed.

Amba issued the warning amid rising cases of banditry and kidnappings targeting schools, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria.

Recent incidents include the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, the kidnapping of hundreds of students in Niger, and attacks on pupils in Kwara, developments that have further deepened concerns over the safety of teachers and learners.

The persistent attacks have forced the closure of several boarding schools in vulnerable areas, as authorities struggle to guarantee safety.

The NUT president spoke while responding to questions from journalists shortly after the 8th quadrennial delegates’ conference of the Jigawa State chapter of the union, held on Thursday at the Manpower Development Institute, Dutse, the state capital.

Lamenting the growing attacks on schools, Amba described the trend as a direct assault on education and the lives of teachers and pupils.

“We have seen cases where students are abducted in large numbers and teachers are targeted, yet the system continues as if nothing serious has happened,” he said.

Recalling past incidents, Amba noted that education workers have increasingly become victims of violent attacks while discharging their duties.

“In Kebbi State, a vice principal was killed right in the line of duty. In Niger and Kwara States, hundreds of students were kidnapped, and in many parts of the country, teachers have been abducted while trying to teach our children,” he stated.

He stressed that teachers cannot continue to work under constant threat and urged governments at all levels to treat school security as a national emergency.

“We are drawing the attention of the government that if this insecurity persists, teachers will have no option but to lay down their teaching apparatus for their own safety,” Amba warned.

The NUT president clarified that the union was not issuing threats lightly but insisting on the fundamental right of teachers to work in a safe environment.

“Teaching is a noble profession, not a death sentence. Our members are ready to do their jobs, but they must first be alive to teach,” he added.

Amba also called for the fortification of security around schools, particularly in rural and high-risk communities, through the deployment of security personnel and the use of technology to monitor threats.

“We expect concrete action, not just promises. Secure the schools, protect the teachers and learners, and we will gladly continue our work in the classrooms,” he said.

Meanwhile, new executives were elected and sworn in during the Jigawa State NUT delegates’ conference.

Speaking after his emergence, the newly elected State Chairman, Comrade Shu’aibu Guri, pledged to strictly adhere to the union’s constitution and guiding principles.

“I will strictly abide by the constitution of the NUT, uphold discipline, and ensure that our activities are conducted within the rules of the union,” Guri assured.

He also promised to prioritise teachers’ welfare and protect their rights in the state.

“Our major focus will be on the welfare of teachers and the protection of their rights. We will engage government constructively to ensure teachers get what is due to them,” he said. (Nigerian Tribune)