Borno Teachers Storm Streets, Demand Rescue of Abducted Schoolchildren

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Hundreds of teachers under the umbrella of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Borno State on Tuesday marched through major streets of Maiduguri and converged on the Government House to demand the immediate rescue of abducted schoolchildren and stronger security measures to protect schools across the state.

The protest, which was part of a nationwide directive issued by the national leadership of the NUT, aimed to draw attention to the growing threat of insecurity in educational institutions and the continued captivity of pupils and students abducted from the Mussa community in the Askira/Uba Local Government Area.

The rally followed a circular issued on May 29, 2026, by the union’s national president, Audu Amba, and national secretary, Clinton Ikpitibo, directing all state chapters to organise solidarity demonstrations in support of victims of school-related abductions and attacks.

Leading the protest in Maiduguri, the Secretary of the NUT in Borno State, Bako Monguno, and the union’s National Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Tom, called on governments at all levels to act swiftly to secure the release of the abducted learners and guarantee the safety of schools nationwide.

Addressing the protesters, Tom said education remains a fundamental right that violence and insecurity must not endanger.

“We are gathered here to demand the unconditional release of the pupils of Mussa Primary and Secondary School in Askira/Uba. Children deserve protection and access to education without fear,” he said.

He urged the authorities to intensify rescue efforts and strengthen security around schools, noting that teachers and students should not have to live under the constant threat of kidnapping.

The state treasurer of the union, Mustapha Usman, expressed concern over what he described as the inadequate attention being given to the plight of the abducted children and their families.

“We are dissatisfied with the authorities’ response to the abduction of the Mussa community children. These pupils deserve urgent intervention, and we are here to ensure their voices are not forgotten,” Usman said.

Also speaking, a teacher, Abdullahi Saidu, appealed to the government and security agencies to ensure that every child held in captivity is safely reunited with their families.

“No student should remain in the hands of kidnappers. The government must do everything possible to secure their release,” he said.

Another protester, Ibrahim, lamented the rising insecurity affecting communities across the country, saying innocent citizens continue to bear the consequences.

“For how long will this situation continue? Pupils, teachers, travellers and ordinary citizens are no longer safe. We need decisive action to end these attacks and restore confidence in our security system,” he said.

The peaceful protest ended with participants carrying placards and chanting slogans calling for safe schools, enhanced security and the immediate release of all abducted learners.

The demonstration reflects growing concerns among education stakeholders over the increasing incidents of school abductions and attacks, particularly in conflict-affected communities where access to education remains under constant threat.

Gombe NUT Leads Solidarity Rally for Kidnapped Teachers, Students

By Auwal AHmad Umar

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Gombe State Wing, on Monday led a solidarity rally calling for the immediate release of teachers and students abducted by bandits and terrorists across the country, describing the attacks on schools as a direct threat to Nigeria’s future.

Speaking during the rally, the Chairman of NUT in Gombe State, Comrade Ali Baba Dalhatu, said teachers across Nigeria were joining colleagues worldwide in solidarity with educators and learners who have become victims of insecurity.

Dalhatu lamented the increasing cases of attacks on schools, kidnappings, and killings of teachers and students, noting that many families have been left devastated while communities continue to live in fear and uncertainty.

According to him, the continued detention of innocent teachers and learners is unacceptable and requires urgent action from government and security agencies.

“An attack on a teacher is an attack on education, and an attack on education is an attack on the future of Nigeria,” he said.

The NUT chairman stressed that teachers dedicate their lives to nurturing future generations and should not be exposed to violence while carrying out their professional duties.

He called on the Federal Government, security agencies, and other stakeholders to intensify efforts toward rescuing all abducted teachers and students and ensuring adequate protection for schools across the country.

Dalhatu also urged Nigerians to reject the normalization of attacks on educational institutions, warning that such incidents undermine learning, community development, and national progress.

“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all teachers and learners being held in captivity. Schools must remain safe spaces for teaching and learning,” he added.

Representing Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the event, the Chief of Staff, Government House Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari, expressed sympathy with the victims and their families.

He said the Gombe State Government shares in the pain of those whose loved ones remain in captivity, describing the situation as heartbreaking and unfortunate.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Gombe State, we share in the pain of our brothers, sisters, teachers, students, and children who are currently in captivity. This is a very difficult time for all of us as a nation,” Kari said.

The Chief of Staff assured participants that the state government has continued to adopt proactive measures to safeguard schools and communities.

According to him, Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration has strengthened collaboration with conventional and community-based security agencies to ensure the safety of educational institutions across the state.

“Our schools are well secured, and we will continue to take proactive steps to protect learners, teachers, and communities,” he stated.

The rally concluded with prayers for the safe return of all kidnapped teachers and students, as participants renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and guarantee access to education without fear.

Many of the participants carried placards with messages demanding justice for victims and urging authorities to prioritise the safety of teachers and learners nationwide.

Balami, Al-Ansar Foundation Seek Stronger Private University Partnerships in Nigeria

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The founder of Africa’s first private aeronautics university, Isaac David Balami, has called for deeper collaboration among private educational institutions to strengthen higher education and innovation across Nigeria and the African continent.

Mr. Balami made the call during a courtesy visit to the president and founder of the Al-Ansar Foundation, Dr. Mohammed Kyari Dikwa, at the organization’s corporate headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

The meeting brought together the two education advocates to discuss the future of private university education in Nigeria, with emphasis on sustainability, institutional partnerships, research development, innovation, and capacity building.

According to the participants, the discussions explored practical ways private institutions can complement government efforts in expanding access to quality tertiary education and producing graduates equipped to compete globally.

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Balami emphasised the need for stronger alliances among private universities, particularly in specialised fields such as aviation, engineering, science, and technology.

He noted that collaboration among institutions would help drive research, innovation, and technical advancement needed for Africa’s development.

The aeronautics university founder also praised the humanitarian and educational interventions of the Al-Ansar Foundation under the leadership of Mr Dikwa.

In his remarks, Mr Dikwa reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to educational development and human capital advancement through strategic partnerships.

He said private universities have an important role in addressing gaps in Nigeria’s education sector by promoting research excellence, entrepreneurship, and ethical leadership among young people.

Both parties also discussed future areas of cooperation, including academic exchange programs, professional development initiatives, technology transfers, entrepreneurial support, and international partnerships aimed at improving educational standards across Africa.

The visit concluded with the exchange of souvenirs and commemorative gifts, symbolising mutual respect and a shared commitment to future collaborations.

Observers say the engagement reflects growing efforts by private sector leaders to build stronger partnerships capable of transforming higher education and supporting long-term national development.