The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr George Akume, has warned that the continued closure of schools due to insecurity poses a major threat to Nigeria’s education system and long-term national stability.
Akume said shutting down schools in unsafe areas not only disrupts learning but also deepens the country’s growing education crisis.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja at the first triannual meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), themed “Religious Literacy for National Cohesion,” the SGF called for stronger government policies aimed at protecting schools and ensuring violence-free learning environments.
According to a statement issued by his media aide, Yomi Odunuga, Akume expressed concern over rising insecurity in the education sector, warning that attacks on schools and prolonged closures continue to undermine access to quality education across the country.
He stressed that meaningful learning cannot take place in an atmosphere of fear.
“A child cannot learn fraternity in fear; a nation cannot preach literacy while schools are under threat,” Akume stated.
The SGF noted that while religious studies already form part of the school curriculum, the focus must now shift toward improving teaching quality through better-trained teachers, enhanced learning materials and value-based education that promotes tolerance, unity and responsible citizenship.
Akume also urged religious and traditional leaders to take a more active role in promoting peace and national unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said faith-based and traditional institutions must intensify grassroots mobilisation, youth education and peace-building efforts to counter misinformation, stereotypes and identity-based divisions that often fuel conflict.
“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.
The SGF warned against the manipulation of religion and ethnic identity for political or economic interests, noting that such actions frequently lead to violence and social unrest.
He further emphasised the need to combine religious literacy with media and information literacy to combat fake news, hate speech and the spread of false information.
Akume referenced Nigeria’s collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on promoting responsible information sharing and peaceful coexistence.
He added that the Federal Government had already introduced measures to support religious and traditional institutions in sustaining peace and security ahead of the 2027 elections.
Expressing optimism about the outcome of the NIREC meeting, Akume said stakeholders must prioritise education and literacy as critical tools for national development, peace-building and social cohesion.
