African Peace Organisation Urges Protection of Schools as New Academic Session Begins

The African Peace Organisation (APO) has called on the government and relevant authorities to take stronger measures in safeguarding schools across the country to prevent the abduction of students.

The appeal came on Monday as schools nationwide resumed for the first term of the 2025/2026 academic session.

Speaking during an outreach to the Local Education Authority Primary School, Lokogoma, Abuja, APO’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Noah Ajare, stressed that schools must be zones of peace and security where children’s rights to uninterrupted and quality education are fully guaranteed. The outreach was held to commemorate the International Day of Protecting Education from Attack, marked globally on September 9.

The United Nations General Assembly declared the day in 2020 to draw attention to the need to safeguard students, teachers, and schools during armed conflict while promoting safe and continuous learning.

Ajare highlighted that Nigeria has, for years, grappled with recurring challenges of school closures, abductions, and violent attacks that continue to threaten the safety of children. These problems, he noted, are particularly prevalent in the northern region of the country.

He lamented the multiple factors undermining education in Africa, ranging from insecurity and poverty to cultural barriers, early marriages among girls, and societal expectations.

“Holding this outreach in a Nigerian primary school is especially significant, given the insecurity and repeated attacks that have endangered pupils across the country. When we equip children with lessons on peace and conflict avoidance, we invest in a generation that can build a more secure and united nation,” Ajare said.

He explained that the event aligned with APO’s broader mission to promote peace through education and empowerment, adding that “our mandate is to educate, empower, and promote peace. By teaching children about peace at an early age, we help shape a generation that values unity, security, and progress.”

During the Abuja outreach, APO officials engaged pupils in interactive sessions on peacebuilding, conflict avoidance, and the importance of safeguarding education. The organisation also distributed writing materials and gifts to encourage the children and support their academic journey.

In her remarks, the school’s principal, Mrs. Yemi Abayomi, expressed gratitude for the support, stating that the donated items would boost pupils’ morale and serve as a reminder of education’s vital role in personal growth and national development.

“We are especially thankful for the lessons on peace and conflict avoidance, which will help guide our children in making better choices for the future,” Abayomi said.

The outreach, according to many, served as a timely reminder that education remains the foundation of progress—and it must be protected at all costs.



👉 What do you think about APO’s call for safer schools? Do you believe the government is doing enough to protect students across Nigeria? Share your thoughts in the comments below!