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Teachers

Safety and Security in Nigerian Schools: A National Concern

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Safety and security have become major concerns for schools in Nigeria. According to a 2021 report, between 2012 and 2016, more than 600 teachers were killed in attacks, while over 19,000 were displaced. The National Coordinator of the School Protection Squad, Abayomi Shogunle, emphasized the need for strengthened security resilience and community integration to protect education. The Nigerian Government has recognized its responsibility to create a safer learning environment, signing the Safe School Declaration in 2019.

Key Takeaways:

  • Between 2012 and 2016, more than 600 teachers were killed in attacks, and over 19,000 were displaced in Nigeria.
  • The National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools aims to protect schools, learners, teachers, and non-teaching staff from attacks nationwide.
  • The plan has a national investment response to achieve measurable outcomes, such as reducing out-of-school children and improving the Nigerian education system.
  • Key objectives of the forum include strengthening security resilience, integrating host communities, and creating an effective national school security infrastructure.
  • The implementation of the plan is in phases, with Osun State being one of the pilot states.
  • The Nigerian Government stresses the importance of investing in education as an investment in human capital development.
  • The current administration's Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigeria Police Force mandate prioritize protecting lives and property.
  • The Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, noted that despite Osun's peaceful nature, there are pockets of crisis in schools that require attention.

Statistics:

  • 600+ teachers killed in attacks between 2012 and 2016
  • 19,000+ teachers displaced between 2012 and 2016
  • 118 countries signed the Safe School Declaration in 2019
  • The National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools aims to achieve measurable outcomes, such as reducing out-of-school children.
  • The plan has a national investment response to protect schools, learners, teachers, and non-teaching staff.

Sources:

  • [The National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools in a 2021 report]
  • [Abayomi Shogunle, National Coordinator of the School Protection Squad]
  • [Federal Government of Nigeria, Safe School Declaration, 2019]
  • [Federal Ministry of Finance, High-Level Forum on PA, April 20, 2021]
  • [Ibrahim Gotan, Osun State Commissioner of Police]

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