Banditry and kidnappings threaten students’ access to education in the North.

The Student Wing of the Northern Youth Frontiers (NYF) has expressed alarm over the escalating insecurity surrounding tertiary institutions in Northern Nigeria, stating that bandit and kidnapping attacks are jeopardising students’ access to education and putting them at risk.

These concerns were articulated in a communiqué issued after an emergency joint congress that brought together student leaders, campus delegates and youth stakeholders from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.

The communiqué was signed jointly by the National Coordinator of the NYF Student Wing, Ibrahim Bello, and the Secretary‑General, Hauwa Abdulaziz.

The group noted that many universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and off‑campus student communities remain highly vulnerable to attacks, forcing students to live in fear while they pursue their studies.

Students urged President Bola Tinubu to strengthen security around campuses and to enhance protection for students throughout the region.

They specifically called on the Federal Government to increase funding for the Safe Schools Initiative and to station round‑the‑clock security patrols around universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, off‑campus student residences and major transit routes.

The group warned that ongoing insecurity is disrupting academic activities, heightening anxiety among parents and students, and exacerbating educational challenges in Northern Nigeria.

They added that the benefits of the loan scheme programme could be undermined if security around schools and campuses does not improve.