Edward Oseghe
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for increased national and international collaboration to protect the education sector and ensure the safety of schools across the country, emphasising that education remains vital to Nigeria’s long-term stability and development.
In a statement issued on Tuesday to mark the 2025 International Day to Protect Education from Attack, Mrs. Tinubu, a former educator stressed that preserving educational institutions in times of conflict and instability must remain a central concern for both government and civil society.
The theme for this year’s observance, “Challenging Narratives, Reshaping Action,” underscores the urgent need to move beyond expressions of concern and implement real, measurable strategies to safeguard learners, teachers, and school infrastructure.
“The theme calls us to move beyond words and take stronger action to safeguard education.
“Education is the foundation of hope, and safeguarding it means securing our future,” the First Lady said.
Senator Tinubu also issued a strong warning against complacency, noting that failing to address threats to educational environments—whether from armed conflict, kidnapping, or systemic insecurity—could have devastating long-term effects on the country’s development.
She took the opportunity to commend international organisations for their continued support in championing educational access, particularly for vulnerable populations.
“I appreciate organisations such as UNICEF, UNESCO, and the Education Above All Foundation for their efforts in advancing child education globally,” she added.
While acknowledging the ongoing efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies, Mrs. Tinubu called for a reinforced, unified national approach to the issue of school safety.
“In Nigeria, our security agencies are doing their best, but protecting schools must remain a shared national priority,” she emphasised.
The International Day to Protect Education from Attack, established by a United Nations General Assembly resolution in 2020, is observed annually on September 9. It serves as a global platform to raise awareness of the impacts of armed conflict on education and to promote measures that ensure safe learning environments for all children.
The First Lady’s remarks are seen as part of a broader push to re-centre the conversation on education security within national discourse and policymaking.
