Mass School Shutdowns Spark Fears of Learning Crisis as CODE Warns of Looming Educational Emergency

Maryam Aminu

Connected Development (CODE) has raised the alarm over the rising wave of school closures across Nigeria, warning that the nation risks plunging millions of children especially girls into deeper learning setbacks if immediate measures are not put in place to sustain education in affected states.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Hyladzira James Mshelia, Acting Chief Executive of CODE, the organisation expressed grave concern as states including Bauchi, Niger, Yobe, Plateau, Katsina, Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory shut schools in response to escalating insecurity. CODE said that while the decisions may be precautionary, the absence of a publicly articulated plan for continued learning places children at severe academic and social risk.

CODE is urging the Federal and State Ministries of Education, alongside the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), to immediately deploy the remote-learning models used during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that schooling does not grind to a halt.

The organisation warned that Nigeria, already home to one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, cannot afford further disruption. Data from CODE’s State of Basic Education in Nigeria (Northeast) report shows that while 12,025 of the 21,585 girls enrolled in 221 secondary schools have been re-enrolled following previous interruptions, many remain vulnerable to dropping out due to unsafe and inconsistent learning environments.

According to the report, many schools in the Northeast still lack basic safety infrastructure such as perimeter fencing, secure classrooms, and gender-sensitive WASH facilities. These conditions, CODE noted, heighten exposure to insecurity, harassment, and eventual dropout especially for girls.

The organisation stressed that frequent school shutdowns are “a symptom of deeper systemic failures,” and cautioned that shutting learning spaces in response to attacks is an unsustainable strategy.

To prevent a full-blown learning crisis, CODE recommended a multi-channel approach that integrates digital platforms like Google Classroom, Zoom, and NERDC digital content with low-tech options including TV and radio programmes, as well as printed learning materials for homes without internet access. CODE also emphasised the need for teacher training to strengthen remote delivery of lessons.

“Every additional day of school closure widens learning gaps, fuels inequality, and undermines long-term peace and development,” the statement read, warning that out-of-school children are at heightened risk of exploitation and recruitment into criminal activities.

CODE reaffirmed its commitment to tracking school safety investments, supporting advocacy with evidence, and ensuring citizens’ voices continue to shape accountability in Nigeria’s education sector.