The National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Audu Titus Amba, has raised alarm over the increasing violence against educators and students, calling for urgent government action to bolster security in schools. Speaking at the 59th National Conference of Delegates in Enugu, Amba highlighted the dire need for protective measures in light of ongoing attacks and abductions that threaten the safety of teachers and pupils alike.

Amba's remarks came during a conference themed "Deployment of Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education Will Erode the Place of Teachers in the Classroom: A Myth or Reality?" He emphasized that the safety of educational environments must be prioritized, urging state governments and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to enhance security protocols in schools.

In addition to security concerns, Amba called for the full implementation of the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers Act, 2022, which raises the retirement age for teachers from 60 to 65 years. He criticized some states and the FCT for introducing conflicting guidelines that undermine this law, stating, "Teachers must be allowed to retire with dignity and at the age prescribed by law."

The NUT president also advocated for improved welfare for teachers, including the establishment of a special salary scale, pension schemes, and housing initiatives. He pointed out that many teachers face significant challenges due to poor funding, inadequate resources, and a lack of support, which ultimately affects the quality of education.

Amba further stressed the importance of Early Childhood Education (ECE), urging its integration into public primary schools. He described ECE as a critical yet neglected area of education, stating, "The foundation of learning is laid at the Early Childhood Education level. Yet, this sub-sector is the most neglected."

In a related development, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris praised the commitment of teachers in his state, asserting that his administration has made significant strides in education and worker welfare. He noted that his government does not owe salaries or pensions and has successfully recruited 6,144 civil servants, including teachers. Governor Idris also highlighted the construction and renovation of over 2,000 schools to enhance educational infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah emphasized the need for a collaborative approach between teachers and technology. He argued that AI should be viewed as a tool to support teachers rather than replace them, asserting that technology can enhance lesson preparation and personalize learning for students. Mbah revealed that his administration has allocated over 33 percent of the state’s budget to education and has recruited 6,850 teachers to improve the student-teacher ratio.

As the NUT continues to advocate for better conditions in the education sector, the call for enhanced security and welfare measures remains critical in ensuring a safe and conducive environment for both teachers and students across Nigeria.