TEACHER SECURITY IN ADAMAWA STATE: A GROWING CONCERN THAT NEEDS URGENT ATTENTION

 *** Written by Mathias Patrick and shared by Shekarau Yerima ***

The issue of teacher security in Adamawa State, especially in primary and secondary schools, has become deeply alarming. In recent times, there have been repeated cases where students physically attack, threaten, or insult their teachers, and sadly, nothing serious is being done by the relevant authorities.

 

Some schools where such incidents have frequently occurred include GDSS Karewa, GDSS Wauro-Jabbe, GDSS Bola, GDSS Capital School, GDSS Bajabure, and many others across the state.

 

Most of these incidents usually happen during school hours and especially on the last day of the term when schools are about to close a time when teachers are busy maintaining order or enforcing discipline before students leave.

 

Even more troubling is the reaction that follows these incidents. In many cases, the parents of the offending students rush to the school to defend their children, rather than allowing justice to take its course. In some communities, even traditional or community leaders side with the students, putting pressure on the school authorities to “settle the matter peacefully” instead of taking firm disciplinary action like suspension or expulsion.

 

This attitude sends the wrong message to the students that they can disrespect or attack teachers and still get away with it. It destroys the respect for teachers, weakens school discipline, and discourages dedicated teachers from giving their best.

 

Even more worrying is the silence of authorities from school administrators to the Post Primary School Management Board, and even security agencies. In most cases, such incidents are ignored, leaving the affected teachers helpless, humiliated, and unprotected.

It’s time for the government and education stakeholders to take firm and immediate action:

1. Investigate all past and present cases of teacher assault.

2. Enforce strict penalties for students who attack or threaten teachers.

3. Hold parents accountable for supporting or covering up such behaviour.

4. Assign security personnel or trained guards to schools with repeated violence.

5. Empower principals to act decisively without fear of political or community pressure.

6. Promote moral and civic education to restore respect for teachers and authority.

 

Teachers are nation builders, and their safety must be a top priority. No teacher should go to work in fear of being attacked by the very students they are trying to shape for a better future.

 

It’s time for the government, education board, parents, and community leaders to wake up teacher security is not negotiable!