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, held 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 (PS) of the Federal Ministry of Education,Dr Nasiru 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 environment for learning. He noted that the initiative is not only beneficial to educational institutions but also plays a pivotal role in nurturing future leaders.
He highlighted the ministry’s efforts in developing capacity-building programs that enhance security initiatives within schools. Despite these efforts, he acknowledged that security challenges persist, necessitating increased awareness and preparedness among teachers, students, and security personnel.
To further institutionalize safety measures, the Federal Ministry of Education has established a dedicated Safety Unit under the PS. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with security agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Department of State Services (DSS). Alhaji Hussein called on participants to take full advantage of the training to exchange ideas and reaffirmed the unwavering support of the Honourable Ministers of Education in this endeavor.
The Commandant of the National Institute of Security Studies (NISS) Joseph O Odama, welcomed the attendees, acknowledging the significance of the training in addressing security challenges in educational institutions. He expressed appreciation for the Permanent Secretary’s role in ensuring the success of the event and recognized the contributions of the National Safe School Unit and other stakeholders.
He outlined the increasing security threats facing schools, attributing them to both external attacks and insider collaborations. He stressed that many teachers and school administrators lack basic security awareness, not due to negligence but because they have not been given the necessary training and exposure.
The Commandant highlighted the role of NISS as an intelligence-oriented institution that collaborates with key national security agencies, including the National Security Adviser’s office, the State Security Service, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the National Intelligence Agency. He emphasized the importance of bridging the knowledge gap in security matters to safeguard the future of education in Nigeria.
Hajia Halima Iliya, the Coordinator of Finance for the Safe Schools Initiative, provided insights into the evolution of school safety measures in Nigeria. She recounted the establishment of the Safe Schools Initiative in 2024 to address attacks on educational institutions, following a global effort initiated by international leaders, including the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
She noted that in 2019, Nigeria signed the Safe Schools Declaration, joining over 100 other countries in committing to its implementation. The challenges of educational insecurity prompted a high-level meeting in 2021, convened by the Minister of Finance, to devise sustainable funding mechanisms for school safety initiatives.
Following extensive consultations with key government agencies, including the Ministry of Education, the DSS, the Nigerian Police, and the Defense Headquarters, a National Costed Plan was developed. By December 2022, the plan was formally endorsed by three ministers—Education, Finance, and a supporting agency—alongside additional policy documents.
Hajia Iliya highlighted that in 2023, the federal government allocated N15 billion to implementing agencies to strengthen school security. Additionally, a National Safe School Response Coordination Center was established under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to manage security threats to educational institutions.
She noted significant progress, including collaboration with state governments, with nine states already providing facilities for state-level response centers. Community-level security training initiatives are also ongoing to build resilience against threats.
Concluding her speech, Hajia Iliya emphasized the need for a holistic and collaborative approach to safeguarding education. She urged all stakeholders to continue working together to secure the future of Nigerian children and ensure a safe learning environment.
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.
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