Kukah Urges Greater Education Investment to Tackle Nigeria's Insecurity

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, has identified education as the most potent instrument for combating insecurity, widespread poverty, and ignorance. He strongly advised all tiers of government to channel more resources into the education sector rather than concentrating solely on military strategies to address security challenges.

According to Bishop Kukah, many of the security crises plaguing Nigeria today are a direct consequence of years of neglecting the educational system. He emphasized that a lack of knowledge has become a significant catalyst for violence and instability across the nation. The cleric extended his appeal to parents, religious figures, and community leaders, urging them to ensure that every child, especially those impacted by conflict and economic hardship, gains access to quality learning opportunities.

Bishop Kukah made these remarks during the launch of a new educational intervention program by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Nigeria in Sokoto State. This initiative aims to enhance access to secure, inclusive, and high-quality learning environments for children affected by crises. The project, officially titled “Enhancing Access to Safe, Inclusive and Integrated Quality Education Services for Crisis-Affected Children in Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria,” is designed to broaden educational prospects for vulnerable children in communities grappling with insecurity, while simultaneously boosting the capabilities of teachers and schools.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Temple Anuforo, the Country Director for JRS Nigeria, revealed that the organization’s interventions have already positively impacted over 65,000 individuals across three local government areas within Sokoto State, with women constituting approximately 60 percent of the beneficiaries. He further noted that the program has successfully trained 483 teachers, significantly improving teaching standards in communities affected by conflict. Anuforo also commended residents of Kware, Isa, and Sabon Birni local government areas for their receptiveness to the initiative despite the ongoing security challenges in the region. He underscored that the project exemplifies JRS’ unwavering commitment to ensuring that children displaced or affected by conflict are not deprived of education, describing learning as a crucial tool for restoring hope and fostering community rebuilding.

In his keynote address, Bishop Kukah reiterated that both Islamic and Christian faiths advocate for the pursuit of knowledge, thereby establishing education as a collective responsibility. He called upon development partners, government bodies, and local communities to support initiatives that expand educational access, asserting that every child deserves the chance to fulfill their potential, irrespective of their background or circumstances. The Bishop concluded by stating that investment in education would not only decrease the number of out-of-school children but also pave the way for enduring peace, social cohesion, and sustainable development across northern Nigeria.