EI has condemned the attack by the Islamist group, Boko Haram, which killed at least 40 students in Nigeria.
In the early hours of 29 September, members of Boko Haram fired at students while they slept in the dormitory of a college in north-eastern Nigeria, a military spokesperson told French news agency AFP.
The attack took place in Gujba, a town in the Yobe State, where Boko Haram has already carried out a series of brutal attacks.
At least 40 people died, say hospital sources. “We now have 40 bodies that were brought to the morgue after the attack, who seem to have been students from the Agriculture College in Gujba,” said a spokesperson from the Damaturu hospital.
Boko Haram attacks on education establishments continue
Boko Haram – which means ‘Western education is forbidden’ in the Hausa language - has been responsible for numerous attacks on schools, universities, and colleges during its uprising that began nearly four years ago.
The extremist group is demanding the creation of an Islamic state in the largely Muslim northern Nigeria. Attacks by Boko Haram and its bloody repression have left at least 3,600 dead since 2009, according to the non-governmental organisation, Human Rights Watch.
EI: Schools must not be a target
“We firmly condemn this cowardly attack on students and extend our sympathies to the families and colleagues of those who have died,” said EI’s General Secretary Fred van Leeuwen. “EI and the 30 million educators across the globe state once again that schools must be protected and must not be used as a target or for military ends.”
He added that there must be an end to the immunity which has surrounded those responsible for the violent attacks against students, teachers, academics, and all other education personnel in certain countries. The misguided use of religious principles as a justification for attacking students must cease. A quality education is vital for the personal development of students and to build a secure and prosperous future for society. Governments and religious authorities must act to ensure that quality education can be provided in a safe and secure environment.
Equality, tolerance, and respect for diversity
Van Leeuwen also referred to EI’s Policy Paper on Education: Building the Future through Quality Education, adopted by EI in 2011. “Quality education must be provided through equal access, without discrimination of any kind, for all students whatever their personal physical characteristics or religious beliefs,” he stressed.
The policy document explains: “It is the responsibility of public authorities to ensure that all citizens have access to high quality education appropriate to their needs. Supported by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and a series of international, multi-lateral instruments, Education International maintains that all barriers to education must be removed in order to make it accessible for all persons, regardless of their gender, background or personal characteristics. EI therefore promotes the concept of equal opportunity and access to all levels of education. No-one should be disadvantaged because of perceived differences, including those based upon gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith, cultural or economic background, or personal characteristics. People with disabilities should be assisted to achieve their maximum potential.”
Click here to read the EI Policy Paper on Education, ‘Building the Future through Quality Education’, in full.
The EI statement, “Schools shall be safe sanctuaries”, can be downloaded here.