Kidnapping, Banditry Threaten Education, Schools Must Strengthen Security Measures – Hon. Abayomi White

ABEOKUTA – A renowned proprietor and educationist, Hon. Abayomi White, has raised concerns over the growing threat of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes to Nigeria's education sector, warning that persistent insecurity is discouraging learning, frightening investors and undermining the country's educational development.

White said insecurity had become one of the greatest challenges confronting the education sector, noting that crimes once associated mainly with Northern Nigeria had spread to the South-West. 

According to him, the situation has created fear among teachers, students, parents and school proprietors, while incidents of school-related abductions continue to disrupt academic activities and destabilise the educational system.

The educationist explained that, following the directive of the Inspector-General of Police on school protection and the support of the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, school proprietors and other stakeholders have strengthened collaboration with security agencies to improve safety in schools. He said public and private schools now maintain closer communication with law enforcement agencies to ensure prompt responses to security threats.

White disclosed that school administrators have established effective communication channels with security agencies, enabling suspicious activities and emergencies to be reported without delay. While declining to reveal specific security strategies for operational reasons, he stressed that preventing attacks is more effective than responding after lives have been endangered, insisting that "prevention is better than cure."

He called for stronger collaboration among schools, parents, community leaders, hunters, vigilante groups, Amotekun, the  and the police to enhance intelligence gathering and improve security around educational institutions. He added that continuous sensitisation of teachers, students and parents remains essential to tackling emerging security challenges.

The proprietor urged schools to regulate access to their premises, discourage the spread of fake news capable of causing unnecessary panic and embrace modern security technologies such as CCTV cameras, electronic alarm systems, solar-powered lighting and other surveillance facilities. According to him, technology has become indispensable in supporting security agencies and preventing criminal attacks.

Speaking on youth development, White said quality education, moral instruction, vocational training and entrepreneurship remained powerful tools for reducing unemployment and discouraging young people from engaging in kidnapping, cultism, cybercrime and other criminal activities. He, however, urged governments to ensure that educational reforms are properly planned, adequately funded and supported with the necessary infrastructure, equipment and qualified personnel before implementation.

Hon. Abayomi White appealed to governments at all levels to provide greater support for both public and private schools through improved security measures and education-friendly policies. He also urged parents to remain actively involved in the upbringing of their children, stressing that discipline, moral values and sustained collaboration among families, schools, communities and security agencies are essential to building a safer society and securing a brighter future for Nigerian children.