From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani has said the activities of bandits, kidnappers, and other non-state actors have disrupted socio-economic activities in affected communities and are threatening the educational revitalization program in the state.
He stated this in his address at the Capacity Building Programme organized by the Nigeria Police Force Schools Protection Squad held in Kaduna on Wednesday.
This was even as the Commissioner of Police Kaduna State Command CP Audu Ali Dabigi said it is a collective commitment to safeguarding the future of children and fostering an environment conducive to learning and development.
Governor Sani noted thatthe State’s educational system is facing a crisis of declining enrolment, with over 200,000 fewer primary school pupils recorded in the 2022/2023 academic session compared to the previous year. This dramatic drop (from 2,111,969 in 2021/2022 to 1,734,704 in 2022/2023) is largely attributed to insecurity.
He added that in several Local Government Areas (LGAs) particularly Chikun, Birnin Gwari, Kajuru, Giwa, and Igabi insecurity has forced pushing up the number of out-of-school children.
According to the Governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Sani Liman Kila, “Incidents like the kidnapping of 135 students from the LEA Primary and Junior Secondary School, Kuriga, Chikun Local Government tragically illustrates the devastating impact of insecurity on education access and safety.”
He however said to ensure that the education of children in conflict-proned and terrorist-infested areas is not interrupted, his administration has commenced the merging of 359 schools with those in safe locations.
He disclosed that the government is also implementing a SAFE SCHOOL PROGRAM to strengthen security in primary and secondary schools.
“We are collaborating with the Nigeria Police Force which is currently training a Schools Protection Squad (SPS). We have made adequate budgetary provisions for the effective implementation of our Safe School Program.PROGRAM to strengthen the security in primary and secondary schools.
“We are collaborating with the Nigeria Police Force which is currently training a Schools Protection Squad (SPS). We have made adequate budgetary provision for the effective implementation of our Safe School Program.” Governor Sani said.
Gov. Sani outlined prevention measures taken by his administration including the Fencing of schools, Establishment of Security and Safety Response Committees with membership drawn from schools and communities, Deployment of Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVS) to schools, and Provision of emergency line to schools
“And for you to effectively guarantee the safety and security of schools, you must build the capacity of security forces and communities to anticipate, prepare for, reduce the impact of, cope with, and recover from the effects of shocks and stresses.
“It follows therefore that security forces must integrate host communities in their security plans and execute effective Psychological Operations to win the hearts and minds of the people.
“I commend the Federal Government for launching the N144.8 Billion Safe Schools Financing Plan in 2022. The plan was developed through rigorous consultative strategic engagements with all relevant stakeholders in the education and security sectors, at national and sub-national levels.
“It is gratifying to note that in furtherance of this plan, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun has established the Schools Protection Squad (SPS), a proactive initiative aimed at enhancing security and safety in educational institutions across Nigeria”. The governor added.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner of Police Kaduna State Command CP Audu Ali Dabigi said the establishment of the School Protection Squad signifies a monumental step towards ensuring the safety and security of educational institutions, which is the bedrock of our society.
“As we embark on this journey, let us remember the importance of collaboration and unity in achieving our goals.
“Together, with the support of our community stakeholders, we can overcome any challenge and create a safer, more secure environment for our students, teachers, and staff.
“I urge every one of us to embrace the mission of the School Protection Squad wholeheartedly and to work tirelessly towards its success. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every child in Kaduna State has the opportunity to pursue his/her education in a safe and secure environment.”CP said.
Similarly, the National Coordinator of the SAFE Schools program, Halima Iliya stressed that the Government is mindful of its responsibility to create a safer and more secure teaching, learning, and living environment for her children has taken several steps in this direction.
She said, “What we are witnessing today is the implementation of the National Plan on Financing Safe Schools (2023-2026). The Plan has a total investment of N144.8 billion and the Federal Government has released N15 billion in 2023, to the implementing agencies. these agencies are the Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria Police, NSCDC, DSS, and Defense Headquarters.
“The Federal Government is committed to ensuring funding is available for full implementation of the National Plan.
“The objective of the Plan is to build security resilience in host communities, strengthen detection, deterrence, and response capabilities of security personnel, to integrate host communities into a security architecture, early warning, and intelligence gathering, amongst others.
“The implementation is in phases starting with Most at Risk States, which Kaduna State is considered to be among the pilot states, faced with the recent kidnapped of over 100 pupils by non-state actors in Kuriga Community. I would like to commend the Inspector General of Police Kayode Ebetokun who has taken proactive measures by establishing the Safe Schools Squad and are deployed across the country.” She said.