UNICEF engages Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara on safe schools initiative

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for effective implementation of the safe school initiatives in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.

UNICEF Chief of Field Officer in Sokoto, Mr Micheal Juma, made the call during two-day seminar on Safe Schools in Northern Nigeria on Friday in Sokoto.

”UNICEF has developed a monitoring tool for the implementation of Minimum Standards for Safe Schools (MSSS).

”The MSSS outlines minimum capacity, infrastructure and disaster preparedness a school must implement to protect children from all forms of threats.

”It also has six result areas that are; strong school system, violence against children, natural hazards, conflict, everyday hazards and safe school infrastructure,” he said.

He explained that lack of safety in the school environment has the tendency of reducing school attendance, lower academic performances and increase drop-out rates.

He, therefore, urged governments at all levels to provide the needed safety in schools.

He reiterated that the objective of the seminar was to promote awareness, present insights on monitoring the implementation of safe schools and explore actionable strategies to address the gabs.

In his address, the Zamfara Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Wadatau Madawaki expressed optimism that the efforts would enhance learning and safe school environment as relevant stakeholders were involved at all levels.

Madawaki said the documents were aligned with religious and cultural contents that were suitable for the three states as they share similar values and perspectives.

He assured stakeholders of a rebost committment to ensure the provisions were maximally implemented.

Speaking also, the Sokoto state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Alhaji Tukur Alkal described the seminar as relevant .

Alkali urged assured parents and guardians that donor agencies supported programmes were in accordance with state government policies of ensuring quality education, morals and productive skills training.

Prof. Suleiman Khalid, the Chairman of Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in Kebbi, said the seminar had accorded opportunities for participating states to leverage on individuals’ success and share solutions on challenges.

UNICEF Education Specialist, Believe Eke, presented an overview of minimum standards for safe schools while Francis Elisha spoke on creating safe, conducive school environment through effective strategies and functioning of infrastructures.