“Children have lost interest in school”: Nigerian Catholic Bishop Says Insecurity Hindering Education in Episcopal See

Kastina-Ala, 05 November, 2025 / 6:06 PM

Bishop Isaac Bunepuun Dugu of Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala has expressed concern about the deteriorating state of education in his Episcopal See, blaming insecurity, poor roads, and social disruption for crippling learning and community development.

In an interview with ACI Africa on the sidelines of the launch of three books to mark his twenty-fifth Priestly Ordination anniversary, Bishop Dugu said the ongoing crisis in the Sankera axis of Benue State has forced many schools to close, relocate, or operate under unsafe conditions.

“Insecurity has greatly affected education in our Diocese. Many schools have been displaced or forced to close because of constant attacks and fear of violence,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop said during the Tuesday, November 5 interview. 

He added, “Teachers are afraid to go to work, and children have lost interest in school because their learning environment is no longer safe.”

The Local Ordinary of Katsina-Ala said the Church has been compelled to take extraordinary measures to sustain its educational mission.

“We have invested so much in education. We aim to ensure that in the coming years, our children will overcome illiteracy and have a better worldview,” he said, adding that literacy is both a right and a tool for rebuilding communities devastated by conflict.

Bishop Dugu told ACI Africa that despite limited resources, his Diocese continues to rebuild classrooms, train teachers, and support displaced learners through scholarships and alternative learning centers. 

“Even when banditry and violence threatened our schools, we kept faith,” the Bishop said.

He said widespread insecurity has destroyed livelihoods and increased poverty, making it difficult for parents to send children to school.

“Families are displaced, and children are growing up in camps instead of classrooms,” the Catholic Church leader lamented.

Beyond education, the Catholic Bishop highlighted ongoing peace and reconciliation initiatives involving traditional rulers, government agencies, and even armed youth. 

“Without peace, no meaningful learning can take place,” Bishop Dugu said, and urged both federal and state governments to intensify efforts in securing rural communities and improving infrastructure. 

He made a particular appeal for repairs to the dangerous Gboko–Ugbema road, saying the project must go beyond awarded contracts. 

“We need to see the contractor on site and the work completed,” the Catholic Bishop said.

Bishop Dugu, however, commended Benue State Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for ongoing reforms, improved welfare of civil servants, and infrastructural progress, urging the federal government to support these efforts.

Despite challenges, he said the Diocese remains hopeful and committed to its development agenda built on four pillars: Evangelization and Catechesis, the family, integral education, and peace and reconciliation.

He disclosed that Seminarians are currently enrolled across several seminaries in Nigeria to build broader pastoral experience. “When they return, they will bring with them a wealth of experience,” Bishop Dugu said.

He expressed optimism for the future, saying, “By God’s grace, our Diocese will be great. We are adding value to the lives of everyone— the wealthy, the middle class, the underprivileged, and the displaced.”