United Nations report reveals a shocking 44% surge in attacks on schools in conflict zones worldwide over the past year, with Nigeria ranking fourth among nations with the highest number of grave violations against education.
In a statement marking the International Day to Protect Education on September 9, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the alarming trend, stating, “Each violation carries profound consequences, not only for teachers and young learners, but for the future of entire communities and countries.”
The UN verified 2,436 incidents in Nigeria, trailing Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory (8,554), the Democratic Republic of Congo (4,043), and Somalia (2,568).
The UN’s 2024 Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict documented over 41,000 violent incidents targeting school-age children, resulting in deaths, abductions, and widespread trauma for students and educators. Guterres emphasized, “No child should risk death to learn.”
The report also noted a 34% rise in sexual violence against children and a 17% increase in other grave violations, including abductions and recruitment, describing the trend as “an alarming escalation in brutality.”
As a result of ongoing conflicts, over 420,000 children now attend school fully online, with one million relying on hybrid learning models. Between January and July 2025, the UN and its partners provided support to 370,000 children and teachers in frontline and host communities.
Guterres called for accountability, reminding conflicting parties of their obligation under international law to protect schools as safe spaces.
“The pen, the book, and the classroom are all mightier than the sword,” he declared, urging global efforts to ensure “every child can learn in safety and peace.”
