Kabiru Haruna
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education , Dr Nasiru Sani Gwarzo has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing security in educational institutions across Nigeria.
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Speaking at the commencement of a five-day training program for principals of Federal Unity Colleges and heads of campus security, the Perm Sec underscored the critical need for comprehensive safety measures in schools.
In his address, he emphasized that security concerns extend beyond Federal Unity Colleges to include federal colleges of communication, polytechnics, universities, and even state institutions.
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He revealed that in the coming weeks, he, alongside key officials, would engage all 36 state governors to discuss strategies for strengthening school security at the national level.
Highlighting the rising threats to the safety of students, staff, and educational infrastructure, Dr Gwarzo stressed that schools must remain environments where learning can thrive without fear.
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He noted that the Safe Schools Initiative was introduced as a strategic framework to protect educational institutions from violence while fostering an uninterrupted learning environment.
The training program, he noted, is a timely intervention aimed at equipping principals and security heads with the necessary skills to address these challenges effectively.
As part of broader security reforms, the ministry is working on policy enforcement, capacity-building programs, improved infrastructure, and strengthened collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders.
Despite progress, he acknowledged persistent challenges, including inadequate security infrastructure, limited awareness and preparedness, resource constraints, and a lack of proper coordination. To address these gaps, the Federal Ministry of Education has established a School Safety and Protection Unit under the Office of the Permanent Secretary. This unit is responsible for implementing the National Policy on Safety and Violence-Free Schools, assessing safety measures, conducting training, and fostering partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
Commending the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) for its collaboration, he urged all participants to take full advantage of the training to ensure a more secure learning environment for all students.
This initiative reflects the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that no child faces danger while pursuing their right to education, reinforcing the belief that a secure school is the foundation of a prosperous society.