Akume school closures warning highlights growing fears over insecurity, disrupted learning and threats to Nigeria’s long-term stability

George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, on Wednesday warned that the continued closure of schools due to insecurity poses a dangerous threat to Nigeria’s education system and long-term national stability.

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Speaking in Abuja during the first triannual meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council under the theme “Religious Literacy for National Cohesion,” Akume said prolonged disruption to learning was deepening the country’s education crisis.

The SGF stressed that government policies aimed at protecting schools and ensuring violence-free learning environments must be urgently strengthened.

According to a statement issued by his media aide, Yomi Odunuga, Akume expressed concern over repeated attacks on schools and the growing number of unsafe learning environments across the country.

“A child cannot learn fraternity in fear; a nation cannot preach literacy while schools are under threat,” Akume said.

The SGF noted that shutting schools in conflict-prone areas not only interrupts education but also weakens national development and social cohesion.

Akume school closures concerns also extended to the quality of education, as he urged authorities to improve teaching standards through better-trained educators, stronger learning materials and value-based instruction promoting tolerance and responsible citizenship.

He explained that although religious studies already form part of the national curriculum, greater attention should now focus on practical education reforms capable of strengthening unity and peaceful coexistence.

Beyond the education sector, Akume called on religious and traditional leaders to take a more active and strategic role in preventing violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The SGF said faith-based and traditional institutions must intensify grassroots mobilisation, youth engagement and peace-building efforts to counter misinformation, stereotypes and identity-driven divisions.

“The 2027 general elections are fast approaching, and religious and traditional leaders have a moral responsibility to strengthen collaboration, promote tolerance and ensure peaceful coexistence in their communities,” he said.

Akume further warned against exploiting religion and identity for political or economic interests, describing such actions as powerful triggers for violence and social unrest.

He also highlighted the importance of combining religious literacy with media and information literacy to tackle the spread of hate speech and false information.

The SGF referenced Nigeria’s collaboration with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization on promoting responsible information sharing and combating misinformation.

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Akume expressed confidence that deliberations at the NIREC meeting would produce practical solutions capable of strengthening national cohesion while reinforcing education and literacy as powerful tools for peace-building and sustainable development.