Sultan of Sokoto: Boko Haram’s Fight Is Against Bad Governance, Not Education

Sultan of Sokoto Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar has emphatically clarified that Boko Haram’s true grievance is not opposition to Western education, but frustration with bad governance in Nigeria. Speaking at the launch of General Lucky Irabor’s book in Abuja, attended by top former presidents, military chiefs, and national leaders, the Sultan dismissed the long-held misconception that Boko Haram rejects education outright.

He explained that many insurgents are educated professionals—including doctors, engineers, and graduates—refuting the idea that Boko Haram ideologically opposes schooling. Instead, their rebellion stems from dissatisfaction with Nigerian leaders who have consistently failed to provide good governance and opportunities, feeding a cycle of frustration and conflict. Sultan Abubakar cautioned that false narratives only deepen societal divisions and misunderstandings.

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In addition, the Sultan provided clarity on Islam and jihad, rejecting violent misinterpretations. He described jihad as a personal spiritual struggle for excellence in faith and responsibility, rather than violence against non-Muslims, and called for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different faiths. His statement emphasizes that Boko Haram insurgents never claimed to forbid education but are driven by grievances tied to governance failures