By Usman Shehu, Bauchi
The Commissioner of Police, Schools Protection Squad (SPS) Force Headquarters, Abuja, Abayomi Shogunle said the Nigeria Police Force has a 24 hours functioning emergency centre dedicated to responding to schools’ emergencies.
The SPS boss made remarks during a stakeholders forum on the security of schools in Bauchi State and training of the Schools Protection Squad in Bauchi.
He said the security and safety of schools and other learning environment continue to attract the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria, hence the need to officially launch the safe school environment in the state.
CP Abayomi explained that, Nigeria had faced security challenges such as kidnappings, homicide related cases, and destruction of school infrastructure which sometimes led to school closures and negatively affected the host communities. Adding that the incidences can be linked to the increasing numbers of out-of-school children.
“The National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools in 2021 report indicated shows that between 2012 and 2016, more than 600 teachers were killed in attacks, while more than 19,000 were displaced.
“The Nigerian government, recognizing its responsibility to create a safer and more secured learning environment formally signed the safe school declaration document on 31st December, 2019 to signal the country’s commitment to its implementation alongside 118 member countries.
“To further demonstrate the resolve to address the serious challenges posed by conflicts and insecurity to safety of schools, the Federal Ministry of Finance, in consultation with local and global stakeholders, conveyed a high-level forum on 20th April 2021 to address the menace of attacks on education on a holistic and sustainable basis by creating innovative sources of funding through federal, state and local governments.
“Also, between 25th and 27th October 2021, Nigeria hosted the 4th international Conference on Safe Schools Declaration in Abuja to rally support for the program and assess the progress in achieving various commitments to protect schools and Students from incessant attacks.
“Furtherance to these activities, the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Finance, in active consultation and collaboration with states, local governments and critical agencies of government developed a mid-term national plan on Financing Safe Schools for the period, 2023 to 2026.
“In December 2022, the Ministers of Finance and Education formally introduced key policy documents, including the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools as well as the Minimum Standard for Safe Schools.
“In 2024, the Federal Government launched the Safe School Initiative to enable children affected by conflicts and insecurity to continue with their education unhindered. The comprehensive plan which adopts a ‘whole-society approach’ began full implementation in 2023 with the establishment of the first Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, which is being replicated across all states and local governments for rapid response and information dissemination.
“Today’s event, Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities, aligns with the national plan on financing safe schools in Nigeria. The plan has a national investment response aimed at protecting schools, learners, teachers and non-teaching staff from attacks in all parts of Nigeria, and was designed to achieve measurable outcomes such as reducing the numbers of out of school children and improving Nigeria’s rating in the human capital index in the long run.
“The policy also provides guidelines and a framework for ensuring safe and secured learning environments in schools nationwide. The objectives include to strengthen security resilience and integrate host communities into the security architecture in the protection of education, enhance the capacity of the school communities to protect education, create an effective and efficient national school security and emergency response infrastructure as well as enhance the capacity of security agencies to gather intelligence, prevent, and respond to attacks on educational Institutions and provide assistance to survivors of attacks on educational Institutions.
“The implementation of the plan is in phases with Edo State being one of the pilot states. The right to education is central to social and economic progress, and investment in education is an investment in human capital development. These policies, programmes and activities are in line with the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the mandate of the Nigeria Police Force to protect lives and property, which IGP Kayode Egbetokun, vigorously pursuing.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Bauchi State Police Commissioner, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, said that in recent times, the country has witnessed an alarming increase in the spate of kidnappings, banditry, attacks and pockets of violence, targeting at attacking students and staffs within schools, adding that the unfortunate development has not only disrupted learning, but has instilled fear among parents, students and the nation at large.
He maintained that in response to the current development, the Nigerian Police collaborated with the federal and state governments and various stakeholders to develop the safe school programme aimed at creating a safe school environment that allows children to pursue their education, free from the specter of violence or fear.
“The Safe School Program is a comprehensive initiative that involves multiple stakeholders and agencies working in unison to prevent attacks, respond effectively in emergencies, and support communities and schools
affected by violence.The Safe School Squad will be guided by a comprehensive policy framework that delineates its mandate, functions, and operational protocols.
“This unit will work closely with educational institutions,
communities, and other stakeholders to identify potential threats, respond promptly to emergencies, and provide support to affected schools and communities.
The creation of the Safe School Squad represents a significant advancement in our commitment to ensuring school safety. This squad will be rigorously trained and dedicated to tirelessly preventing attacks and effectively addressing emergencies as they arise.
“The Federal Government has demonstrated its dedication to this initiative through the provision of funding and resources to support the program’s implementation. We also extend our gratitude to the State Governments
for their collaboration and support.
“Regarding logistics, we have devised a comprehensive plan to ensure that the ‘Safe School Squad’ is adequately equipped with essential resources,including vehicles, communication devices, and other necessary tools.
“The Safe School Program transcends a mere police initiative; it is a collaborative effort necessitating the engagement of all stakeholders. We earnestly encourage parents, educators, students, and the wider community to support this initiative and join hands with us in ensuring that our schools remain sanctuaries for learning,” he said.
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