Teachers in Akwa Ibom State have called for urgent, concrete measures to address the rising wave of insecurity in schools across the country.
In a decisive stance against the recurring violence targeting educational institutions, the educators insisted that teachers deserve proactive protection from the government rather than routine condolences after tragedies occur.
The demand was made public during a protest organized by the Akwa Ibom State Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
The demonstration was launched to voice deep grievances against the growing insecurity that continues to destabilize the education sector and threaten the lives of both teachers and students.
Speaking during the rally, the State Chairman of the NUT, Mfonime Emenyi, expressed deep concern over the current state of affairs.
He criticized what he described as inadequate action by relevant authorities in tackling security threats facing teachers and educational institutions, urging leaders to move past rhetoric and implement actionable safety strategies.
Responding to the educators’ grievances, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Essien, described recent attacks on schools and educational personnel—specifically referencing recent incidents in Oyo State—as deeply disturbing and unfortunate.
Professor Essien emphasized that education remains central to youth development and overall societal progress.
He noted that no nation can achieve meaningful development if its schools are under constant threat, assuring the union that the government recognizes the critical need to safeguard the learning environment.
