UNICEF PARTNERS WITH 15 NIGERIAN STATES TO PROTECT SCHOOLS...
*UNICEF TAKES BOLD STEP: PARTNERS WITH 15 NIGERIAN STATES TO PROTECT SCHOOLS FROM ATTACKS*
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has joined forces with Jigawa State and 14 other Nigerian states to implement the Safe School Policy, a crucial move to safeguard educational institutions from attacks by non-state actors ¹. This partnership aims to protect schools and ensure a secure learning environment for all children, especially in regions plagued by violence and abduction.
*The Alarming Reality*
Over 910 schools have been destroyed, and at least 1,500 have been forced to close down across Nigeria due to security challenges ¹. In the North-East, the abduction of students has become a recurring nightmare, with approximately 1,500 schools targeted since 2014, resulting in the abduction of 1,413 students and 21 teachers, with 16 fatalities recorded ¹.
*A Call to Action*
UNICEF's Education Specialist, Mr. Muttaka Muktar, emphasized the urgency of scaling up efforts to ensure schools are safe for all children ¹. The Nigerian government had earlier endorsed the Safe School Declaration in 2015, and the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools was approved in August 2021 ¹.
*The Jigawa State Safe School Committee*
A 32-member committee has been inaugurated to implement the Safe School Policy in Jigawa State ¹. The committee comprises representatives from various sectors, including education, finance, security, and civil society organizations.
*A Step Towards Change*
The partnership between UNICEF and Jigawa State is a significant step towards restructuring and improving education in the state ¹. The commitment of Governor Umar Namadi in prioritizing education safety is commendable, and the committee's work will be vital in addressing lingering security threats to education.
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