Author(s) :

ISREAL Anyebe Iteji.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This study examined the impact of banditry on school security and educational development in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Guided by the Frustration–Aggression Theory and Conflict Transformation Theory, the study investigated how persistent bandit attacks have affected school safety, enrolment, retention, and academic performance. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 400 respondents selected through stratified random sampling from banditry-prone Local Government Areas, complemented by key informant interviews and documentary sources. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. The findings revealed that banditry has severely undermined school security and educational development in Kaduna State. Frequent attacks on schools, kidnappings, and destruction of educational facilities created an atmosphere of fear that led to declining enrolment, increased dropout rates, prolonged school closures, and widespread displacement of learners and teachers. The study further found that persistent insecurity adversely affected students' academic performance through interrupted learning, absenteeism, psychological trauma, and reduced teacher availability. Inadequate security infrastructure, limited government response, and weak collaboration among stakeholders further exacerbated the vulnerability of schools. The study concludes that banditry poses a significant threat to educational development by weakening access to quality education and compromising the safety of learning environments. It recommends strengthening school security through improved security infrastructure, enhanced collaboration between security agencies and host communities, expanded psychosocial support for affected learners and teachers, and sustained government investment in education and youth empowerment programmes. These measures are essential for restoring confidence in the educational system and promoting sustainable educational development in Kaduna State. Keywords: Banditry, School Security, Security, Educational Development, Academic Performance

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