Insecurity threats and the sustainability of quality education in higher institutions of Sokoto State

Abstract

The study examined the insecurity threats and the sustainability of quality education in higher institutions of Sokoto state, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was employed. The population of the study comprises all the students and Lecturers (staff) of the eleven tertiary institutions in Sokoto State. According to Sokoto State Education Accounts (2023/2024), there are 982,536 students and staff in Sokoto State tertiary institutions. A sample size of 397 lecturers (staff) and 393 students’ total 790 respondents were selected using research advisors (2006). Purposive sampling was used to select five higher institutions outside the out sketch of Sokoto Metropolis. Similarly, proportionate sampling was used to select participants proportionate to the size of the selected institutions. The data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25, using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation. The study revealed that there were moderate lecturers' (staff) perceptions of insecurity threats in higher institutions, there were poor students' perceptions of insecurity threats in higher institutions, and there was poor level of insecurity threats in higher institutions. The study recommended that higher institutions in Sokoto State should continue to enhance their security frameworks by investing in surveillance systems, campus security personnel, and emergency response mechanisms. Higher institutions should establish formal partnerships with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local vigilante groups in maintaining security. The government should maintain and strengthen its intervention strategies, including funding security initiatives in higher institutions and ensuring the presence of well-equipped security personnel on campuses.