Governor Alia: Illiteracy, Poverty Fuel Nigeria's Insecurity, Urges Education-Led Reforms

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja

 Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has identified illiteracy and poverty as two of the most significant drivers of Nigeria's persistent insecurity, arguing that sustainable peace can only be achieved by addressing the root causes of violence through quality education, stronger institutions, and constitutional reforms.

Speaking as the inaugural guest lecturer at the Quarterly Lecture Series of Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja (formerly the University of Abuja), Governor Alia delivered a lecture titled "Insecurity and Education in Nigeria and the Quest for Development." His presentation examined the relationship between education, governance, and the country's security challenges.

According to the governor, Nigeria has experienced an alarming rise in insecurity over the past decade, ranging from Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and farmer-herder conflicts to other forms of violent criminality that have claimed thousands of lives, displaced communities, and destroyed livelihoods.

He described these security threats not merely as law enforcement issues but as symptoms of deeper socio-economic and institutional failures.

Alia identified illiteracy, poverty, unemployment, inequality, weak public institutions, poor governance, ethno-religious tensions, and declining social values as the underlying factors sustaining insecurity across the country.

He argued that while military operations remain necessary in combating violent groups, they cannot provide a lasting solution unless governments deliberately invest in education and human capital development.

According to him, education remains the most effective long-term strategy for tackling ignorance, religious extremism, unemployment, and social exclusion—all of which create fertile ground for insecurity.

Rather than relying solely on force or threats, the governor said, accessible, compulsory, and functional education has the capacity to foster social cohesion, promote religious tolerance, empower young people economically, and build resilient communities capable of resisting violent extremism.

He also stressed the importance of an efficient public service and strong institutions, noting that effective governance is central to delivering essential services, restoring public confidence, and promoting inclusive development.

"Through efficient and effective public service delivery, we can build stronger and more resilient communities, foster economic growth, and promote social cohesion," he said.

Governor Alia further advocated reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria's educational system through improved teacher development, technical and vocational education, lifelong learning opportunities, and the creation of safe learning environments.

Beyond education, he renewed his call for constitutional reforms, including the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralising aspects of the country's security architecture would improve response to local security challenges while promoting peace, accountability, transparency, and sustainable national development.

His position adds to the growing national conversation on security sector reforms as state governments continue to seek greater involvement in addressing rising criminal activities.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Prof. Hakeem Awehinmi, commended Governor Alia for delivering the institution's maiden Quarterly Guest Lecture, describing the presentation as well-researched and a valuable contribution to scholarship and national discourse on security and development.

The lecture underscored an emerging policy argument that Nigeria's security crisis cannot be solved through military action alone, but requires sustained investment in education, institutional reforms, economic opportunities, and good governance to achieve lasting peace and national development.