Writing By Usman MZ; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
Jigawa State Government in collaboration with UNICEF has inaugurated State Safe School Coordination Committee to ensure the protection of children and learning environment.
The Special Adviser to Governor Umar Namadi on Security matters, Usman Muhammad disclosed this at the inauguration of the committee held in Dutse, the state capital.
According to him, the committee is to enhances security for schools by coordinating with security agencies and stakeholders, receiving and referring complaints, and maintaining emergency hotlines.
He further explained that, the issue of providing security especially to the children is one of the top priority of the present administration’s twelve points agenda.
“The committee will consider Issues that has to do with Hazard, violence against children, negligence, sexual abuse among others”
The Special Adviser added that, the state government would do anything possible to support the committee to ensure safer learning environment.
An Education Specialist, UNICEF Kano Field Office, Muntaka Muktar said, Nigeria has experienced several attacks in education.
He pointed out that the North-East states have been the hardest hit by such attacks, leading to the closure of many schools and the disruption of learning activities.
Muntaka noted that, the attacks have become more intense in recent times, with cases of abduction of school children on the rise.
“Ransoms have had to be paid to the perpetrators, either by the government or by parents, in every instance.”
The Education Specialist added that, more than 910 schools have been destroyed by non state actors, and at least 1,500 have been forced to close.
COV/USMAN MZ
