Abuja, Nigeria – September 14, 2026
DDNewsOnline
More than 50 million pupils in basic and secondary schools across Nigeria are returning to classrooms today as the new academic session begins, with school authorities and security agencies intensifying efforts to keep learners safe.
The resumption comes amid persistent concerns over school security in several parts of the country, following years of attacks and abductions involving pupils, teachers and other school workers.
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Between May 2023 and June 2026, 758 students, teachers and school staff were abducted in school-related mass attacks, according to figures reported by PRNigeria.
The security challenge is also linked to the poor state of infrastructure in many schools. More than 42,000 primary and secondary schools in northern Nigeria are reported to be without perimeter fencing, leaving them exposed to possible security threats.
With pupils returning today, schools are taking different steps to reduce these risks. Private school operators say they are strengthening measures such as controlled access, deployment of security personnel, perimeter protection, improved lighting and surveillance systems.
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In Oyo State, the police command is working with school proprietors, administrators, Parent-Teacher Associations and students through a safe-school initiative designed to encourage early identification and reporting of possible threats.
Other states are also adopting measures suited to their local security situations. Katsina has increased security around boarding schools through mobile police units, community patrol teams and vigilante groups, while Enugu is expanding the use of CCTV cameras, drones and command-and-control systems around schools.
At the federal level, the Safe Schools programme was introduced to improve the protection of educational institutions through measures including fencing, surveillance, early-warning systems and security support for schools considered vulnerable.
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However, as the new academic year begins, the bigger concern for many families is whether these measures will remain effective beyond the first few days of resumption.
For parents sending their children back to school today, safety is not separate from education. A child needs to feel safe enough to get to school, stay in the classroom and return home before meaningful learning can take place.
That is why, as millions of pupils begin another academic year, attention will remain on whether the security measures announced and introduced around schools can be sustained throughout the session.
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By Efunbajo Victoria
Reporter