Teachers in Plateau State on Tuesday took to the streets in a peaceful protest against the growing wave of insecurity affecting schools and educators across Nigeria, warning that continued attacks on educational institutions are threatening the future of teaching and learning in the country.
The protest, organised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Plateau State Wing, saw hundreds of teachers march through major roads in Jos before proceeding to the Rayfield Government House, where they submitted a protest letter containing their demands to the state government.
The demonstration formed part of a nationwide solidarity action by the NUT in support of teachers and students who have fallen victim to kidnappings, killings, and attacks on schools in different parts of the country.
Speaking during the rally, Plateau State NUT Chairman, Elisha Haruna, said the union was deeply concerned about the increasing security threats confronting teachers, particularly in states affected by banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping.
According to him, the protest was aimed at drawing the attention of government authorities to the plight of educators who now carry out their duties under fear and uncertainty.
“We are here in solidarity with all our members who are victims of kidnapping, most especially our members in Borno State, Yobe, Plateau, Oyo and other places who are presently in the den of kidnappers,” Haruna said.
He lamented that classrooms, once regarded as safe spaces for learning and personal development, have increasingly become vulnerable targets for criminal groups, creating fear among teachers, students, and parents.
“We are urging the Federal Government to do something about these challenges because we can no longer feel safe in our classrooms,” he added.
The protest comes amid national outrage over the recent abduction of teachers and students in Oyo State, where armed men attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area and kidnapped dozens of victims. The incident has sparked renewed concerns over the safety of schools nationwide.
Education stakeholders have repeatedly warned that persistent attacks on schools could discourage enrolment, increase dropout rates, and undermine efforts to improve access to quality education, particularly in rural communities.
Beyond the security concerns, the Plateau teachers also used the opportunity to draw attention to challenges affecting the teaching profession within the state.
Haruna disclosed that teachers in Plateau State are battling issues such as delayed promotions, inadequate staffing, and poor working conditions, all of which continue to affect the quality of education delivery.
He explained that the shortage of qualified teachers in many public schools has placed additional pressure on existing personnel, making effective teaching and learning more difficult.
The protesters carried placards bearing various inscriptions calling for improved security, better welfare packages, prompt promotion of teachers, and stronger government commitment to the education sector.
Observers noted that the peaceful nature of the demonstration reflected the union’s desire to engage government constructively while drawing attention to challenges confronting educators.
At the Government House, the teachers were received by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, retired Brigadier General Gakji Shipi, who accepted their protest letter on behalf of the state government.
Shipi commended the teachers for conducting themselves peacefully and assured them that their concerns would be carefully reviewed by the government.
He pledged that the administration would study the issues raised and work towards addressing both the security challenges and other demands presented by the union.
