Fresh concerns over the safety of schools took center stage on Tuesday as teachers marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly. The protest followed the recent abduction of teachers and students in Oyo State.
The demonstration drew attention to the growing threat facing schools. It also renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect teachers and students from criminal attacks.
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, assured teachers that lawmakers remain committed to supporting the creation of a State Police Force as part of efforts to address insecurity.
The protest was led by the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Lagos State, Comrade Hassan Akintoye. During the gathering, teachers expressed deep concern over the increasing number of attacks on schools in different parts of the country.
According to the union, recent events have raised questions about the safety of learning environments. Teachers argued that schools should remain places of education and growth rather than locations associated with fear and violence.
Addressing the protesters, Obasa acknowledged the concerns raised by educators. He also emphasized that the Assembly shares in their worries and remains focused on finding lasting solutions.
Speaking during the engagement, the Speaker said, “We feel the pains of our teachers and we sympathise with them. We are indeed in this together and we will not fold our arms. We are all stakeholders in this situation and must collectively seek solutions that will bring lasting peace and security to our schools and communities.”
The Speaker further highlighted the importance of the State Police Force initiative. According to him, the proposal has received support from President Bola Tinubu and could play a key role in improving security at the local level.
Moreover, Obasa urged Nigerians to avoid spreading false information online. He warned that misinformation could increase public anxiety and create unnecessary panic.
Meanwhile, Comrade Akintoye used the occasion to remind authorities about previous attacks on schools. He referred to the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction and the Dapchi incident.
He noted that the recent attack in Oyo State has further heightened fears among teachers. According to him, reports from the incident have left many educators worried about their safety while carrying out their duties.
Akintoye therefore called on governments at every level to act quickly and decisively.
In his words, “Schools must remain centres of learning and not theatres of violence and criminality.”
Furthermore, he stressed that the safety of students and teachers should remain a top priority for authorities across the country.
The discussion also focused on the role of different stakeholders in tackling insecurity. Obasa called for stronger cooperation between governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, parents, and civil society groups.
In addition, he emphasized that protecting schools requires a united effort from everyone involved in the education system.
