Shehu Sani, a former Senator, has stated that security issues in northern Nigeria were more severe under former President Muhammadu Buhari than under the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Sani made this assertion during the 40th anniversary and reunion of the '84 set of the Kagara Old Boys Association, which includes alumni from Government Science College, Kagara, in Niger State's Rafi Local Government Area. The event was held at Ahmadu Bahago Secondary School in Minna, where Sani stressed that the government's genuine commitment could resolve security challenges.
Government Science College, Kagara, has remained closed since a bandit attack in 2021 resulted in the abduction of several students. Commenting on the overall security situation, Sani said,
“The current security situation is an improvement over what we experienced during Buhari's administration. Our security forces have successfully eliminated many top terrorists. Compared to the past, today's situation is better.”
Sani highlighted several attacks on educational institutions during Buhari's tenure, including incidents at Green Field University, Kaduna; Bathel Baptist School, Kaduna; Government Science College, Kagara; Federal Government Girls’ College, Yauri; Federal School of Agricultural Mechanisation, Mando; Government Secondary School, Kankara; and Government Secondary School, Jangebe.
While supporting the temporary relocation of Government Science College, Kagara, as suggested by the Niger State Government, Sani advocated for the school's return to Kagara once security improves. He lamented,
“It is unfortunate that schools which produced some of the best talents in our country are now in ruins. We must face the truth that without providing education for our youth, we risk creating future problems we cannot manage.”
Sani urged northern Nigeria to prioritize education, noting the region lags behind with the highest number of out-of-school children. He blamed bandit and terrorist activities for destroying the educational foundation in northern Nigeria, stating, “The school we once called our own has been abandoned due to bandit attacks and the kidnapping of students and teachers.”
