A Critical Review of Attacks on Schools in Nigeria: Lessons Learned

Abstract

This paper discussed targeted attacks on schools in Nigeria by non-state armed, terrorist or criminal groups most especially in the North- East geo-political zone, particularly carried out by the Boko Haram insurgent group. The discourse was for the purpose of drawing lessons learned from the attacks. The paper employed a desk-review research approach and the reports and evaluations obtained from secondary sources of data were analyzed through content analysis. By adopting ideological perspective and human security concept as theoretical framework for analysis, the paper explained the reasons for the attack. The paper found that the use of asymmetric warfare tactics adopted by Boko Haram insurgent group and their coordinated attacks resulted to huge casualties beyond the expectations of the State and most especially in the educational sector. To reverse the trend, the paper concluded that government and relevant stakeholders must realize that safety from attacks and development of education in Nigeria are dependent on the collective efforts of the various stakeholders in supporting safe school initiatives directed towards providing conducive and safe environment for our educational institutions and also rebuilding schools that have been attacked. This can be achieved through effective collaboration of all critical stakeholders towards addressing the underlying factors that led to the onslaught orchestrated by the Boko Haram insurgent group and other armed criminal groups.