The Education–Security Dilemma In Northern Nigeria

From recurring school abductions to widespread closures and communities trapped in fear, Northern Nigeria continues to grapple with the devastating intersection of insecurity and children’s access to basic education.

Over the past decade, hundreds of schools across Kaduna, Zamfara, Niger, Katsina, and Borno have shut down, creating what experts describe as a “vicious cycle of closures,” where criminal attacks halt learning and government responses unintentionally leave children even more vulnerable.

Today’s discussion sheds light on the depth of this crisis from policy failures to the emotional and human toll on families. Yet, it also highlights pathways toward progress, including stronger Safe Schools implementation, community-led intelligence efforts, rebuilding trust in education, and prioritising trauma recovery.