Nigeria’s search for practical solutions to the growing menace of school kidnappings takes centre stage today, Sunday, June 28, as security experts, education stakeholders and concerned citizens converge for the maiden edition of Boiling Point Extra.
The two-hour Zoom discourse begins at 8pm and will be broadcast live on multiple radio stations across the country, creating virtual and terrestrial access to millions of Nigerians to join the conversation.
With the spectre of school kidnappings continuing to cast a shadow over Nigeria’s education system, the organisers of Boiling Point Extra have called on Nigerians from all walks of life to join what they describe as a crucial national conversation on protecting the nation’s children and securing the future of education.
The theme of the current affairs programme is: “Securing the Classroom: Combating School Kidnappings and Safeguarding Nigeria’s Future.”
Promoter of the platform, veteran broadcaster and seasoned media professional, Ayo Arowojolu, said the programme comes at a critical moment when many parents have become increasingly anxious about the safety of their children in schools following repeated attacks by criminal elements on educational institutions.
Arowojolu observed that beyond the trauma suffered by victims and their families, school kidnappings pose a grave threat to national development by undermining access to education, discouraging school enrolment and eroding public confidence in the country’s security architecture.
According to him, the conversation must now shift from expressions of outrage after every tragic incident to sustained national engagement capable of producing practical, workable and enduring solutions.
“We cannot continue to normalise attacks on our schools. Every classroom should be a place of hope, not fear. Every child should pursue education without looking over his or her shoulder. The safety of our schools is ultimately the safety of Nigeria’s future,” he said.
He disclosed that the maiden edition of Boiling Point Extra has assembled a distinguished panel of security professionals, education advocates and communication experts whose wealth of experience will enrich the search for practical strategies to prevent future school abductions.
The panel includes retired military officer, Col. Lawrence Owosheni, retired former Assistant Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mrs Rachael Awosusi, a Strategy and Development Expert, Mr Yinka Quadri, and Veteran Journalist and former Director of the Nigerian Television Authority, Mr Yemi Akintunde are to form the panelists tonight.
Frontline traditional ruler, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof Saka Matemilola is the Chair and Keynote Speaker to herald the discourse.
This particular discourse is sponsored by a public advocacy group, National Association of Seadogs(NAS) as part of its contributions to finding solutions to some of the grave challenges confronting Nigeria.
Boiling Point Extra, Arowojolu stressed, was conceived as a demand-driven extension of the widely acclaimed Boiling Point Arena, following sustained requests from corporate organisations, professionals and members of the public for more frequent engagements on urgent national issues that cannot wait for the monthly schedule of the flagship programme.
He urged parents, teachers, school proprietors, students, security personnel, policymakers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and all well-meaning Nigerians to participate in the discourse and contribute ideas toward making schools safer across the federation.
“The responsibility of protecting our classrooms does not rest with government alone. It is a collective duty that requires collaboration, vigilance and unwavering commitment from every stakeholder. If we secure our schools today, we secure Nigeria’s tomorrow.”
The organisers expressed optimism that the recommendations emerging from the discourse would contribute meaningfully to ongoing efforts to strengthen school security, enhance intelligence gathering, improve emergency preparedness and restore confidence in Nigeria’s education system.
Participation in the Zoom session is open to interested members of the public, while listeners across Nigeria will also be able to follow the proceedings live through the network of partner radio stations.
Among the partner radio stations are WASH 94.9FM, Lagos, Sweet 107.1FM, Abeokuta, Roots 97.1FM, Abeokuta, Erimbe 94.7FM, Shagamu, Women Radio 91.7FM, Mowe, Opera Tune 106.3FM, Abeokuta, and Kruzz 92.9FM, Asaba, Delta State alongside a cable television station, NSTV, on GOtv Channel.
For the organisers, tonight’s discourse is more than another public affairs programme—it is a rallying point for all Nigerians determined to ensure that no child is denied education because of fear, violence or insecurity.
