Education: UNICEF supports 15 states to domesticate Safe School Policy in Nigeria

*The United Nations Children’s Fund partners with Jigawa State of Nigeria, and 14 other states of the Federation to domesticate the Safe School Policy, aimed at protecting learners and instructors in schools, colleges, Universities, and other academic institutions from attacks by non-state actors, including armed bandits, marauders, and terrorists

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Against the backdrop of the reported increasing concerns over the safety of learners in schools, colleges, and other educational institutions in the country, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has partnered with Jigawa State of Nigeria, and 14 other states of the Federation to domesticate the Safe School Policy.

ConsumerConnect reports the education-oriented initiative is aimed at protecting learners and instructors in schools, colleges, Universities, and other academic institutions from attacks by non-state actors, including armed bandits, marauders, Boko Haram, and terrorists.

The significance of the initiative now comes into sharper focus as the closure of hundreds of schools, colleges and Universities over safety issues has deprived thousands of Nigeria children and wards of their right to education.

It is recalled the Nigerian Government had earlier endorsed the Safe School Declaration (SSD) in 2015, with former President Muhammadu Buhari signing the SSD Ratification Document December 2019.

In a bid to support the initiative in the country, the Federal Government approved the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools August 2021, setting a framework for the protection of educational institutions in Nigeria.

Stakeholders reportedly discussed the initiative during the inauguration of the Jigawa State Committee on Safe School Friday, October 11, 2024, in Dutse, the state capital.

In his presentation at the forum, Mr. Muttaka Muktar, Education Specialist at UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, highlighted the alarming number of school closures due to security challenges.

Muktar stated: “More than 910 schools have been destroyed by non-state actors, and at least 1,500 have been forced to close down across Nigeria.”

“Armed groups have targeted approximately 1,500 schools since 2014, leading to the abduction of at least 1,413 students and 21 teachers, with 16 fatalities recorded.

“As of now, at least 867 schools remain closed nationwide.”

Significance of Safe School Policy

Underscoring that attacks on schools have intensified in recent years, particularly in the North-East region of Nigeria, where the abduction of students has become a recurring issue, the UNICEF Education Specialist also advocated the need for the Safe School Policy to be implemented in more states in the Nigerian Federation.

As the initiative gains traction in view of the closure of hundreds of schools, which has deprived thousands of children of their right to education, such closures have had far-reaching consequences, including disrupting learning, increasing school dropout rates, and exacerbating the problem of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

UNICEF on implementation plans to domesticate Safe School Policy in Nigeria

UNICEF’s support has helped several states, including Jigawa, develop implementation plans to domesticate the Safe School Policy.

However, Muktar, Education Specialist of the UN body in Kano Field Office, emphasised the urgency of intensifying the efforts.

He stated: “While there has been a gradual year-on-year improvement, we still have a long way to go in ensuring that schools are safe for all children.”

The newly inaugurated 32-member Jigawa State Safe School Committee will be responsible for implementing the policy in the state.

The committee comprises representatives from various sectors, including education, finance, security, local government, civil society organisations, development partners, traditional institutions, and other critical stakeholders.

Safe School Policy crucial to secure our schools, says Education Commissioner

Prof. Isa Yusuf-Chamo, Jigawa State Honourable Commissioner for Education, in his address while inaugurating the Implementation Commission in the state, commended the initiative.

Yusuf-Chamo urged the committee members to show commitment to, and diligence in carrying out their responsibilities.

The Commissioner said: “The selection of committee members was based on their relevance and track record of hard work. We expect nothing less than dedication in implementing this crucial policy to secure our schools.”

Dr. Haruna Mairiga, Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and member of the Committee, as well lauded the state’s collaboration with UNICEF.

Mairiga noted the importance of the policy in addressing the pressing educational challenges in Jigawa State.

The SEMA Executive Secretary stated: “This partnership with UNICEF is a significant step toward restructuring and improving education in our state.

“The commitment of Governor Umar Namadi in prioritising education safety cannot be overstated.”

The Jigawa State Safe School Committee will begin its duties immediately, operating under terms of reference developed collaboratively by the state government and UNICEF, report said.

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