Nigeria has pledged to intensify its Safe Schools Programme to ensure children can learn free from the threat of violence, with development partners promising continued support.
At an event marking the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, Federal Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary, Abel Enitan, said school insecurity must not be normalised.
“Every child deserves the right to learn in peace,” he said, adding that the government is moving “beyond rhetoric to coordinated action.”
The programme, aligned with Nigeria’s climate and security commitments, involves training teachers, introducing stronger reporting systems, and building resilience in classrooms. A digital monitoring framework will ensure compliance nationwide.
UNICEF’s Chief of Education, Vanessa Lee, reaffirmed the agency’s support, emphasising the critical role of teachers and school committees in creating safe and nurturing spaces. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, through its PLANE initiative, also promised to continue supporting school safety in states such as Kaduna, Kano and Jigawa.
“Education is the key to freedom, opportunity, and national progress,” said Dr Gboyega Ilusanya of FCDO-PLANE. “School safety is central to achieving that vision.”
