FAWE Nigeria Advocates for Safe School Declaration Implementation

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Nigeria held a pivotal Advocacy Forum in Abuja recently, calling for the adoption and implementation of the Safe School Declaration (SSD) to enhance the safety and security of educational institutions across the country.

The event, attended by stakeholders, educators, policymakers, and civil society organizations, was aimed at raising awareness and mobilizing support for the Safe School Declaration, a commitment designed to protect students, teachers, and schools from the devastating impacts of armed conflict and violence.

In her welcome address, FAWE Nigeria’s National Chairperson, Jiddere Musa Kaibo, emphasized the organization’s dedication to promoting gender-responsive policies and ensuring equal educational opportunities for African girls and women. She highlighted the critical need for safe learning environments where children can thrive without fear of violence.

“Education is the cornerstone of our nation’s future,” Kaibo stated. “Schools must be safe havens where our children can learn and grow without the threat of violence or harm. The Safe School Declaration is a vital step towards achieving this goal.”

The Safe School Declaration outlines a comprehensive set of commitments to protect educational institutions from attacks and prevent their use for military purposes. It promotes the sharing of best practices for safeguarding schools and provides guidance for armed forces and non-state actors to take measures that deter the military use of schools, reduce the risk of attacks, and mitigate the consequences when such incidents occur.

Kaibo articulated the forum’s objectives, which include advocating for the adoption and implementation of the SSD by educational stakeholders, introducing them to the abridged version of the declaration, and equipping them with advocacy strategies to implement the SSD effectively. Additionally, the forum aimed to foster the integration of SSD principles into existing education policies at national, state, and local levels.

FAWE Nigeria’s commitment to the Safe School Declaration is reflected in their efforts to ensure resilient and secure educational environments, even amid conflict. The organization has been actively involved in training sessions and the production of resources to support the SSD’s implementation.

A special acknowledgement was given to Prof. Bulus K. Myfreind for his support. In 2023, he conducted training on the SSD for teachers, FAWE members, government officials, and school children in Nasarawa State and produced an abridged version of the SSD for easier application.

The forum concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to work together in creating a future where every child can learn in peace, every teacher can teach without fear, and every school is a secure haven for education.

“As advocates, educators, policymakers, and stakeholders, we must unite to make Nigeria’s schools safe and secure for all. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for our children,” Kaibo urged.

The FAWE Nigeria Advocacy Forum marks a significant step in the nationwide effort to ensure the safety and security of educational institutions, reinforcing the fundamental right to education in a safe environment for all Nigerian children.