Insecurity in Northern Nigeria Causing a “significant decline in student enrolment”: Catholic Bishop

“Insecurity in northern Nigeria has caused a significant decline in student enrolment particularly in boarding schools,” Bishop Musa lamented. 

He urged the Nigerian government to ensure that the security of citizens across the country is guaranteed and that people can feel safe.

“The best that the government can do is to boost security presence in schools. The safe school policy of the government must be implemented in all these schools by having security personnel present in all the schools,” the 53-year-old Nigerian Catholic Bishop said.

Institutions of learning, he went on to say, “can train their students about precaution measures, or how to help themselves in case of these emergencies, like having emergency exits in dormitories, having a little self-defense skill, without giving them weapons, but at least they would know how to defend themselves.” 

Bishop Musa emphasized the need for functional education that combines religious and professional training.

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“This dual approach will enable the government to serve society effectively and provide quality education to the people,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop said.

Bishop Musa further urged the government to enhance public education, saying, “With well-managed government schools, there would be less reliance on expensive private schools, making quality education accessible to all children.” 

The Catholic Church is committed to providing an integral education that encompasses the development of the body, mind, spirit, and intellect, he said.

“A Catholic education recognizes that human beings are created in the image and likeness of God and deserve a dignified life,” the Catholic Church leader said, adding, “Our duty is to make pupils and students knowledgeable and skillful, ensuring their holistic development.”

Bishop Musa said the Education summit in his Episcopal See also addressed the issue of girl-child education and early marriages in Nigeria.

“While the girl-child is vulnerable, especially regarding early marriage, the boy-child also faces significant challenges, such as poverty and a lack of motivation to continue schooling,” he explained.

The Local Ordinary of Katsina continued, “We aim to provide both genders with the necessary education from the onset.”

Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Journalist with great enthusiasm and interest for Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. He has vast experience in Print,  Electronic and Multi-Media Production.