A group of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has stressed the need to provide a safe environment for schools in Bauchi state as a right for all children who are of school age and in school.
The group therefore called for the effective implementation of the safe schools policies in Bauchi State.
The organizations are; the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), Women Advocated Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), in partnership with Syndicate in Supporting Women and Children’s Initiative (SISWACHI) and others, implementing a project on Effective Implementation of the Safe Schools Policies in Bauchi, Lagos States and the FCT.
In a statement made available to Journalists in Bauchi on Friday, founder of Syndicate in Supporting Women and Children’s Initiative( SISWACHI), Maryam Mohammed said that international obligation requires Nigeria to ensure access to quality education in a safe environment to which the country adopted the safe schools declaration 2019 and 2021 and a national policy was developed to that effect.
She said that, “Despite the policy implementation of the safe schools, policy is slow, and many schools still do not comply with protocols inline with the safe schools declaration.”
The statement added that concerted efforts have been put in place by International and Local NGOs but states still face significant challenges in creating a safe environment for schools, which include safety from kidnapping and abduction, violence, disaster and psychological issues.
Maryam Mohammed said that Bauchi State has however taken a giant step towards advancing the safe schools policy.
The statement further contained that, “I commend the Speaker Bauchi State House of Assembly and members of the education committee for championing a bill to that effect and it has successfully passed its second reading.”
This initiative, Maryam Mohammed added, is vital for ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for our students, teachers, and staff.
According to her, “The significance of this policy cannot be overstated, as it addresses critical issues that affect our educational institutions and the well-being of our children.
“We strongly urge the committee and the speaker to continue their support and commitment to this important bill, facilitating its passage into law. Together, we can create a safer and more nurturing environment for our future leaders to thrive.”
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