By Lizzy Carr
The Acting Vice Chancellor of Al- Muhibbah Open University Abuja Prof Ahmed Salisbury Garba has stated that the threats to schools in Nigeria is not theoretical but a reality, which is why stakeholders need to push for the passage of the School’s safety, security, and violence free Bill 2024 currently at the floor of the Bauchi State House of Assembly.
He was speaking at a CSOs and Community led public hearing on the Bauchi State Schools’ Safety, Security and Violence-Free Bill, 2024 held at the American Space, of Prof Iya Abubakar Community Resource Center Bauchi.
Prof Garba said Nigeria is a nation at risk if urgent action is not taken on attacks and kidnappings in schools as it will affect the economic and social development of the society.
“We can vividly recall the abduction of over 300 boys were from Government Science Secondary School in Kankara, Katsina State in December, 2020. Before it, 110 girls were abducted from Government Girls’ Science and Technical College in Dapchi, Yobe State, in 2018. And prior to 2018, we can also recall the 2014 abduction of 276 girls from Government Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State. We have it on good account that many of these young girls have yet to return home”.
He noted that these are not isolated incidents as in recent years, Nigeria has seen an alarming increase in attacks on schools across the country, particularly in the northern regions. Bandits and insurgents have targeted educational institutions, not only for the ransom they can demand but also as a means to destabilize communities and disrupt the education of our youth.
According to him these attacks have forced countless schools to close their doors, depriving students of their right to education and leaving communities in fear.
“The safety and security of our schools have become paramount. We cannot stand by and allow our children’s education to be held hostage by violence. The Bauchi State Schools’ Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Bill 2024 is a necessary and timely response to these challenges. It offers a comprehensive framework to protect our students, educators, and schools from the dangers that threaten them daily”.
This Bill the Prof added is a necessary and timely response, offering a comprehensive framework that addresses these threats head-on.
“One of the most commendable aspects of this Bill is the establishment of the Bauchi State Safety and Security Agency. This Agency is tasked with the vital role of coordinating all efforts related to school safety and security across the state. By centralizing these efforts, the Commission will ensure that our policies are consistent, our resources are effectively utilized, and our responses are timely and well-coordinated”.
As outlined in Section 1 of the Bill, the Agency will be domiciled in the Office of the Governor, providing it with the necessary authority and oversight to implement its mandates.
Another critical provision is the establishment of the School Security Fund, as detailed in Section 10. This Fund is a groundbreaking initiative that guarantees sustained financial support for the implementation of safety measures in our schools. The Fund’s design is forward- thinking it allows for budgetary allocations, as well as donations and grants from local and international organizations. This diverse funding mechanism ensures that our schools have the resources they need to build secure environment.
Other key provisions of the bill include addressing Psychological Well-Being through Counselling and Mental Health Support and ensuring accountability and sustainability.
” I would like to say that today we have the opportunity to take a decisive step toward securing the future of education in Bauchi State. The Bauchi State Schools’ Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Bill 2024 offers us a robust and comprehensive framework to protect our schools and, by extension, our communities. This Bill is more than just a collection of policies; it is a commitment to our children, to their education, and to their right to learn in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment”.
He urge all to support the Bill and to champion its swift passage into law.
In another keynote address, Professor Kehinde Olayide of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife commended the Bauchi State House of Assembly for taking steps to pass the schools’s safety, security and violence free bill, urging stakeholders to scrutinized the bill.
Executive Director Syndicate for Supporting women and Children ( SISWACHI) Maryam Mohammed
said the Safe Schools Declaration represents a collective commitment to protecting students, educators, and educational institutions in conflict-affected areas.
‘Today we have come together not only to discuss the passage of this bill but to foster a shared understanding of the critical role we all need to play in safeguarding our children’s right to education. Each of you in this room represents a piece of the puzzle—be it government representatives, civil society organizations, educators, or community leaders. Your insights, experiences, and commitment to this cause are invaluable”.
Mohammed urge participants to focus on identifying actionable strategies that will facilitate the successful passage and implementation of the Safe School Declaration Bill.
“The children of Northern Nigeria deserve the chance to learn and thrive in an environment free from fear and violence”.
Safe schools project coordinator of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center WARDC, Jennifer Nwokedike said Nigeria has athe National Policy on Safety Security and Violence free schools and States are expected to domesticate the policy.
WARDC wants to see a society where every child has the right to an education without fear of violence or attack, every student should be protected space for students to learn among others.
The public hearing has stakeholders from CSOs, Community leaders, the Police, Civil Defence, students and the education sector.