Education Under Fire: How Conflict and Extremism Are Reshaping Learning Worldwide

Abuja_In a classroom rebuilt from rubble in northern Nigeria, a teacher writes arithmetic problems on a chalkboard as students sit quietly, their attention divided between lessons and the distant sound of military patrols.

For millions of children around the world, education is no longer just about learning it is about survival.

From extremist attacks on schools to the politicization of curricula, education systems are increasingly becoming battlegrounds in regions affected by conflict and instability.

Armed groups have repeatedly targeted schools as symbols of state authority and modern values.

In Nigeria, the Islamist militant group Boko Haram has carried out mass kidnappings and attacks on educational institutions, leaving communities traumatized and disrupting learning for years.

Similarly, in Afghanistan, restrictions on girls’ education have drawn international condemnation, with millions of girls denied access to secondary schooling.“These attacks are not random,” said a Geneva-based education analyst. “They are strategic — aimed at controlling narratives and limiting opportunities.”

According to the UNICEF, more than 200 million children worldwide are affected by conflict-related disruptions to education.

In war-torn regions such as Syria and Yemen, schools have been destroyed, repurposed as shelters, or abandoned altogether.

Even in relatively stable regions, the threat of violence has led to increased militarization of schools, with security forces stationed on campuses and strict surveillance measures in place.

The shift toward online learning accelerated by global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic has further deepened educational inequalities.In many conflict-affected areas, access to reliable internet and digital devices remains limited, leaving millions of students behind.

“Technology has the potential to bridge gaps, but in these contexts, it often widens them,” said an education policy expert.

Despite the challenges, communities are finding ways to keep education alive.

In refugee camps across the Middle East, volunteer teachers are running informal classes using donated materials. In parts of Africa, radio-based learning programs are reaching students in remote and insecure areas.

International organizations, including UNESCO, are working with governments to rebuild schools and train teachers in crisis response.“Education cannot wait,” said a UNESCO official. “It is a critical tool for stability and long-term peace”.

Experts warn that prolonged disruptions in education can create fertile ground for radicalization.

Without access to schooling and economic opportunities, young people may become more vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups.

“Education is one of the strongest defenses against extremism,” said a counter-terrorism researcher. “When it collapses, the consequences can last for generations.”

Addressing the crisis will require sustained international cooperation and investment.

Humanitarian funding for education remains significantly under-resourced compared to other sectors such as food and health, despite its long-term importance.

Advocates argue that protecting education in conflict zones should be treated as a global priority, not an afterthought.

Back in northern Nigeria, the classroom lesson continues despite the risks. For the students, each day of schooling represents a small victory against forces that seek to disrupt their future.

“I want to become a doctor,” said one student, smiling shyly. “So I can help my community.

”In a world marked by conflict and division, such aspirations offer a reminder of what is at stake and what can still be saved.