During a period characterized by heightened insecurity in Nigeria, several bombings, kidnappings, and killings were lamentably perpetrated by unknown gunmen. At the time, over 200 schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State were tragically abducted. As a proactive measure, the federal government initiated the Safe Schools Initiative in 2014, aimed at safeguarding and ensuring a safe schooling environment for children residing in regions plagued by conflict or insecurity. The former president Muhammadu Buhari ratified the Safe Schools proclamation in December 2019 to further demonstrate his administration’s dedication to schools safety.
Conversely, with the objective of preventing terrorist attacks on educational institutions across the country, the federal government launched a comprehensive Safe Schools Financing Plan in December 2022, amounting to a substantial sum of N144.8 billion. The then minister of finance, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed made it known that the plan’s implementation will take place between 2023 and 2026. According to her, the plan was formulated through a meticulous process of consultative strategic engagements with key stakeholders in the education and security sector, both at the national and sub-national levels.
Govt made guarantee financing for National Safe Schools Initiative.
The stakeholders were drawn from the Federal Ministry of Education; Nigeria Police Force; Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC); Department of State Security (DSS); Defence Headquarters (Army, Navy and Air Force). Contributions were also duly received from the ministries of Education across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and the ministries of Finance and Budget. Additionally, valuable insights were provided by development partners, donor agencies, and civil society organisations regarding approach to devise optimal strategies that would effectively ensure that education of children are uninterrupted by the wave of violent activities.
However, the commencement of the initiative has been impeded due to the absence of disbursal of funds. In a subsequent development, in February 2023, the federal government made a resolute commitment to guarantee the expeditious disbursement of financial resources for the purpose of supporting the National Safe Schools Initiative to foster a safe environment where children can engage in school activities without the looming apprehension of being subjected to the heinous acts of kidnapping for ransom.
NPF has undertaken the first measure of inaugurating the SPS.
Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba stated hat the government is well aware that a secure environment is crucial to the achievement of all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Therefore, the government of Nigeria must ensure that all children have access to a secure educational setting where they will receive the high-quality education they require to reach their full potential and help make Nigeria a better place for everyone.
In accordance with it commitment, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has undertaken the first measure of inaugurating the Schools Protection Squad (SPS), a specialised police unit with the sole purpose of ensuring the safety and security of educational institutions within Nigeria. The Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, has made a momentous announcement of the establishment of the Schools Protection Squad (SPS). This adventurous initiative seeks to proactively bolster the security and safety measures within educational institutions across the nation.
This particular unit tasked to guarantee the safety of students.
Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the SPS is a highly specialised division operating within the Nigeria Police Force. This particular unit is tasked with the crucial responsibility of formulating comprehensive policies and actively engaging pertinent stakeholders in order to guarantee the utmost safety and protection of students, teachers, and the infrastructure of educational institutions. The squad will be provided with pertinent resources and refined training to adeptly address the security predicaments confronting educational institutions.
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IGP inaugurate School Protection Squad. – SPF seeks to proactively bolster the safety of educational institutions. – Express your point of view.
I think it’s fantastic that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has inaugurated the School Protection Squad (SPF) to proactively bolster the safety of educational institutions. This initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of students, teachers, and staff.
Educational institutions should be safe havens where students can learn and grow without fear. By establishing the SPF, the IGP is taking a proactive approach to address potential security threats and create a secure environment for everyone within the school community.
The SPF can play a crucial role in preventing and responding to incidents such as violence, bullying, and unauthorized access to school premises. Their presence can act as a deterrent and provide reassurance to students, parents, and staff that their safety is a top priority.
In addition to their physical presence, the SPF can also contribute to the overall safety of educational institutions by conducting regular security assessments, implementing safety protocols, and conducting training sessions for school staff on emergency response procedures. By working closely with school administrators, teachers, and local law enforcement agencies, the SPF can develop effective strategies to address specific security challenges faced by each educational institution..
Overall, the establishment of the School Protection Squad is a commendable step towards enhancing the safety and security of educational institutions. It sends a strong message that the authorities are committed to creating a conducive learning environment where students can thrive. By combining proactive measures, preventive strategies, and community engagement, the SPF can make a significant difference in bolstering the safety of educational institutions and fostering a sense of security for all. 🏫👮♀️👍
The IGP took a proactive stance in enhancing the safety of educational institutions by launching the School Protection Squad. This program has the potential to make all learning environments safer and more secure with careful planning and collaboration
The IGP’s latest initiative to use the school’s protection team is beneficial for kids’ safety. It will support the nation’s increased security awareness.