The Federal Ministry of Education has commenced a five-day training program for Principals of Federal Unity Colleges on School safety and protection. The event, taking place at the National Institute of Security Studies (NISS) in Bwari, Abuja, underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring a secure learning environment for students across the country.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, represented by the Director of School Safety, Alhaji Abdullahi Hussein, emphasized the critical need to secure the future of unity colleges by fostering a safe and enabling learning environment.
He noted that the initiative is not only beneficial to educational institutions but also plays a pivotal role in nurturing future leaders. The ministry has developed capacity-building programs to enhance security initiatives within schools and will continue partnering with all relevant security agencies.
Despite these efforts, security challenges persist, necessitating increased awareness and preparedness among teachers, students, and security personnel. To further institutionalise safety measures, the Federal Ministry of Education has established a dedicated Safety Unit under the Office of the Permanent Secretary.
In his welcome address, the Commandant of the National Institute of Security Studies (NISS), Joseph O. Odama, acknowledged the significance of the training in addressing security challenges in educational institutions.
Hajia Halima Iliya, the Coordinator for the Safe Schools Initiative at the Federal Ministry of Finance, provided insights into the evolution of school safety measures in Nigeria. She stated that Nigeria signed the Safe Schools Declaration in 2019, joining over 100 other countries in committing to its implementation. She further mentioned that in 2023, the Federal Government allocated N15 billion to implementing agencies to strengthen school security. A National Safe School Response Coordination Center was also established under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to manage security threats to educational institutions.
The five-day training program continues with various sessions designed to equip school administrators with practical strategies for improving security in educational institutions across Nigeria, reflecting the Federal Government’s commitment to a safe learning environment.
Signed
Boriowo Folasade
Director Press and PR
