The Federal Ministry of Education has launched a five-day training program for principals of Federal Unity Colleges, focusing on school safety and protection. The initiative, taking place at the National Institute of Security Studies (NISS) in Bwari, Abuja, underscores the government’s commitment to creating a secure learning environment for students nationwide.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, represented by the Director of School Safety, Alhaji Abdullahi Hussein, stressed the importance of safeguarding unity colleges to ensure a conducive atmosphere for learning. He highlighted that the initiative not only benefits educational institutions but also plays a crucial role in nurturing future leaders.
Dr. Sani-Gwarzo further noted that the Ministry has developed capacity-building programs aimed at enhancing security measures within schools. He assured that collaboration with relevant security agencies will continue in a bid to strengthen safety protocols. However, he acknowledged ongoing security challenges in educational institutions, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and preparedness among teachers, students, and security personnel.
To institutionalize these safety measures, the Ministry has established a dedicated Safety Unit under the Office of the Permanent Secretary. This unit will work closely with stakeholders to implement and monitor school security initiatives.
In his welcome address, the Commandant of the National Institute of Security Studies (NISS), Joseph O. Odama, reiterated the importance of the training in addressing security threats within educational institutions. He commended the Federal Ministry of Education for prioritizing school safety and urged participants to actively engage in the sessions.
Hajia Halima Iliya, Coordinator for the Safe Schools Initiative at the Federal Ministry of Finance, provided insights into the evolution of school security measures in Nigeria. She highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to the Safe Schools Declaration, which the country signed in 2019 alongside over 100 other nations. Furthermore, she revealed that in 2023, the Federal Government allocated N15 billion to implementing agencies to bolster school security. In addition, a National Safe School Response Coordination Center was established under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to monitor and manage security threats in schools across the country.
The five-day training program will feature various sessions designed to equip school administrators with practical strategies for improving security in educational institutions. This initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment for all students across Nigeria.
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