The Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (retd), has raised concern over the growing trend of shutting down schools in northern Nigeria as a response to insecurity. He said the practice is becoming counterproductive and could worsen the region’s educational and socio-economic situation if not addressed properly.
Usman explained that while the safety of students and teachers must remain a top priority, turning school closures into a routine reaction to threats is not a sustainable solution. He warned that it disrupts learning, limits opportunities for young people, and could even encourage violent groups to continue their actions.
He said, “I am not in support of the closure of schools in our region because this is a serious setback, and it encourages the perpetrators. Instead, the government should rise to the occasion and address the insecurity in our region and country, perhaps by applying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures.”
According to him, the long-term stability of Northern Nigeria depends heavily on securing uninterrupted access to education. He called on federal and state governments, security agencies, and community leaders to work more closely together and design a clear, comprehensive plan to protect schools and rebuild trust among citizens.
The Special Adviser highlighted the need for stronger intelligence gathering, better community-driven security efforts, and improved welfare for security personnel. He said these steps are necessary to reduce attacks on schools and communities.
Usman also pointed out that non-kinetic approaches are just as important. These include dialogue, youth empowerment, rehabilitation of vulnerable groups, and addressing root causes of insecurity such as poverty and unemployment.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Ahmed Aliyu administration to the safety and development of children, he urged parents, traditional rulers, and civil society organisations to support ongoing peace efforts. He stressed that creating safe learning environments is essential for the region’s future and warned that school closures should not replace firm action against insecurity.
