INSECURITY AS A COG IN BASIC EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Insecurity significantly hampers basic education in Nigeria, manifesting through various forms of violence, abductions, and terrorism. This disruption affects enrollment rates in the North, South-West and South -East thereby undermining the quality of education. More than half of all schools in the northeastern state of Borno, Nigeria, are closed with millions of children unable to start classes because of the ongoing threat of Boko Haram. For instance, the persistent threat from the terrorists has led to the closure and destruction of over 1,400 schools, leaving millions of children without access to education..The paper will also examine, how Kenya'sAl Shabaab's presence has significantly disrupted education in the country, particularly in the north-eastern region, leading to school closures, teacher exodus, and a potential increase in vulnerable youth susceptible to recruitment by the militant group. The impact of insecurity from banditry and inter-communal violence has also disrupted schooling, particularly in rural areas, where children face 9dangers on their way to school. In Mali, the rise of extremist groups has resulted in the shutdown of schools, particularly in conflict-affected regions, forcing children to abandon their education. These examples highlight a broader trend across Africa, where insecurity poses a formidable challenge to educational attainment. The interplay of violence, fear, and displacement creates an environment where learning becomes secondary to survival, ultimately stunting national development and exacerbating cycles of poverty and instability. Addressing insecurity in Nigeria and similar contexts is imperative for restoring access to basic education and ensuring that children can learn in a safe and supportive environment.