Nigeria’s safe schools initiative is adopting the community approach in providing security for schools and learners
In Kano state, special training programmes have been put in place, incorporating teachers, students and community members to lessen the vulnerabilities of schools to attacks
The training is a partnership between the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund UNICEF, and the leading security agency for schools safety, that is, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC
Schools in some parts of northern Nigeria have over the years been vulnerable to attacks with abductions taking place
The situation has negatively impacted school enrollment in a region that historically has been lagging behind
The safe school initiative was introduced to protect students and safeguard educational institutions
This sensitization campaign by UNICEF and the NSCDC is using the community approach to school safety. The idea is that with active community involvement, schools are less likely to be vulnerable
The Kano State Ministry of Education is deepening its collaboration with UNICEF to increase capacity for the State’s Steering Committee on Safe Schools.
The objective is to provide a safe learning environment where academic activities can thrive.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
