Banditry, kidnappers threaten education access in North — Students warn
The Student Wing of Northern Youth Frontiers has raised alarm over worsening insecurity around tertiary institutions across Northern Nigeria, warning banditry and kidnappings are forcing students to live in fear while pursuing education. According to the group's communiqué signed by National Coordinator Ibrahim Bello and Secretary-General Hauwa Abdulaziz, many universities, polytechnics, and off-campus student communities remain vulnerable to attacks despite existing security measures. The concerns emerged after an emergency joint congress of student leaders and youth stakeholders from all 19 northern states and the FCT. The students specifically called on President Tinubu to intensify security measures around campuses, increase funding for the Safe Schools Initiative, and deploy round-the-clock security patrols. They warned that continued insecurity is disrupting academic activities, increasing anxiety among parents and students, and potentially undermining the benefits of the federal government's education loan scheme. With tertiary education essential for youth development in the region, what security measures would you prioritize to protect students while maintaining accessibility to education?