The Federal Government has unveiled a strengthened school safety initiative aimed at protecting students, teachers, and educational facilities from growing security threats across the country.
The new measures were announced by the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, Aisha Garba, during a three-day training programme on revised School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) operational documents for stakeholders from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Kano.
Represented by the Head of Community Engagement and Social Mobilisation at UBEC, Patricia Uche, Garba explained that the revised guidelines were developed in response to increasing cases of school attacks, kidnappings, banditry, and other challenges threatening access to education.
According to her, the updated operational documents now include critical areas such as school safety, education during emergencies, climate change adaptation, and the prevention of gender-based violence.
She noted that the review is designed to strengthen community participation in safeguarding schools and ensuring that learning continues uninterrupted even during periods of crisis.
Garba stated that one of the major additions to the framework focuses on education in emergency situations, reflecting the realities faced by many communities affected by insecurity.
She explained that the initiative seeks to empower local communities to take a more active role in identifying security risks, supporting protective measures, and collaborating with relevant authorities to keep schools safe.
The UBEC official also highlighted concerns about the vulnerability of many public primary schools, particularly those without perimeter fencing or adequate security infrastructure.
As part of the new strategy, communities will be encouraged to advocate for improved security measures and support efforts aimed at creating safer learning environments for both pupils and teachers.
The Federal Government believes that stronger collaboration between schools, communities, education authorities, and security agencies will help reduce the risk of attacks on educational institutions while improving access to quality basic education.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns over school abductions and attacks on educational facilities in several parts of the country, which have disrupted learning and heightened fears among parents, students, and educators.
Government officials expressed optimism that the revised framework will strengthen school resilience, improve emergency preparedness, and contribute to the protection of children’s right to education across Nigeria.
