Nexus of Security and Quality Higher Education in 21st-Century Nigeria: The Perspective of Stakeholders

Abstract

This study investigates stakeholders' perspectives on the nexus between security and the quality of education in Northeast Nigeria and explores the effective strategies they perceive as promoting security in schools. The study adopted a phenomenographic research design. The study draws on the perceptions of 31 experienced stakeholders, comprising 10 student class representatives, 9 parents, 7 lecturers, and 5 administrators from tertiary institutions in Northeast Nigeria, where there have been security issues. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews. After data validation, I imported the data into MAXQDA, a software specifically designed to streamline the organization and management of data. I used selected participant quotes. The development of categories of description in this research was not predetermined but rather emerged spontaneously from the data. The findings reveal that disruption of learning, decrease in enrollment, teacher shortages, damage or destruction of educational infrastructure, and inadequate funding for education are among the significant impacts of insecurity. Furthermore, stakeholders identify community engagement, advocacy and awareness, use of technology, and deployment of security measures as effective strategies for enhancing security in schools to ensure quality education. If left unchecked, the negative consequences identified in this study could contribute to insecure learning environments that exacerbate harmful learning conditions and fuel mistrust to the detriment of the community's overall health. Without a stable and secure educational environment, it may be difficult to cultivate the skills and knowledge necessary for sustainable learning. Recommendations include stakeholder support for community engagement initiatives that maintain school security; collaborations among community members, local authorities, and schools; and shared accountability for the security of learning environments.