In a lecture delivered at the Federal University Gusau (FUGUS), Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, addressed the critical link between insecurity and instability in Nigeria’s education sector.
While delivering the convocation lecture titled, “Insecurity and Educational Instability in Nigeria: The way forward,” Governor Radda, a former teacher, acknowledged the global nature of insecurity, citing conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and Sudan. He pointed out that Nigeria’s ranking of 144th on the Global Peace Index highlights the nation’s internal security challenges.
Governor Radda’s lecture traced the evolution of insecurity in Nigeria, from colonialism and military coups to the civil war and present-day issues like kidnapping and farmer-herder clashes. He stressed a turning point: the emergence of Boko Haram and its devastating impact on learning, exemplified by the abduction of the Chibok Girls.
A statement signed and issued by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the Chief Press Secretary to Katsina State Governor dated 24 May, 2024, said the lecture shifted to the current situation in the Northwest, where banditry and kidnappings are prevalent. Governor Radda pointed to the abductions of students in Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna, emphasizing data showing that over 10% of schools in Katsina are abandoned due to insecurity.
With a focus on solutions, Governor Radda proposed tackling “ungoverned spaces” where criminals flourish. He emphasized the need for improved policing, increased security personnel, and local security structures with strong vertical and horizontal integration.
Governor Radda’s speech is quoted directly here: “The objective, distinguished guests, is to find a sustainable solution to this problem. I propose that we begin by tackling the problem of ungoverned spaces in our country. There are vast territories across the country where the government’s influence is minimal. These people live on a subsistence basis and lack access to socioeconomic development. These spaces breed criminality and provide safe havens for criminals in Nigeria. It may explain how terrorists and bandits can kidnap hundreds of students at a time and keep them hidden despite the tools and technology available to security agents. Reducing ungoverned spaces will be key to intelligence gathering, rapid response efforts, and community inclusion in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria,” Governor Radda asserted.
The Katsina Governor further stressed socio-economic development as a crucial factor. He advocated for investment in underserved communities, education, and skills acquisition to address the root causes that fuel criminal recruitment.
Governor Radda concluded with a call to action, emphasizing education as the key to national prosperity. He urged collaboration between government and stakeholders to create a more secure and stable learning environment for future generations.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented by The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. (Emeritus) Abubakar Sani Sambo, OON, Former Director-General, Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN); Former Vice Chancellor, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion include the Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal, Emirs, traditional rulers among several others.
