UNICEF Seeks Immediate Action to Boost School Safety in Nigeria

Funmi Ogundare

As Nigeria commemorates the International Day of Education (IDE), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) yesterday called for concerted efforts to enhance school safety in the country.

The theme of the IDE was ‘Learning for Lasting Peace’.

The UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Ms. Cristian Munduate, in a statement explained that on average, only 43 per cent of the minimum standards for safe schools are being met in about 6,000 assessed schools according to a recent evaluation.

This finding, she added, particularly highlighted challenges in ensuring the safety of school infrastructure and in mitigating risks such as violence, conflict, and natural hazards.

Munduate said: “While Nigeria has shown a commitment to creating safe school environments through endorsing the safe schools declaration and developing the minimum standards for safe schools, there is still room for further progress. On this important day, we are reminded of the collective responsibility we share in safeguarding the educational environment for every child.”

She stated that the Fund acknowledges the significant progress made in providing access to education for 7.2 million children in humanitarian settings across Nigeria due to collaborative efforts with the government, donors and partners.

Munduate stated that the theme of the 2024 International Day of Education reminds all stakeholders, including federal and state governments, development partners, civil society, communities, and educators of the importance of providing safe, secure learning environments, as well as the crucial role that education plays in promoting peace and stability.

According to her, “Education is a key driver of gender equality, economic growth, and social development, sadly it remains inaccessible to many Nigerian children. Their educational journey is often disrupted by attacks on communities and schools, including the abduction of students. These challenges are particularly acute for adolescent girls, potentially stalling the progress made in girls’ education in Nigeria.”

The country representative called the attacks on schools, particularly in the North-east and North-west regions in 2021, saying it led to learning disruptions for over 1.3 million children, necessitating precautionary school closures.

“This highlights the urgency of addressing school safety comprehensively,” she stated.

Munduate, however, called for a multi-sectorial approach to improve school safety, informed by the performance of states on the minimum standards for safe schools,” she stated, adding that this approach should include comprehensive planning, coordination, and adequate resource allocation, especially in states with higher risks.