THE Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has emphasised the importance of enhancing sensitisation and advocacy for the Safe School Project across the country.
NSCDC’s Zonal Commandant in Sokoto State, Mr Muhammad Bello, said this at the opening of the training organised for project coordinators from Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states on Wednesday in Sokoto.
Bello said the call for increased advocacy was aimed to bolster the safety and security of educational institutions nationwide.
The zonal commandant was represented by the state NSCDC’s Commandant, Mr Usman Alfafarai.
Bello emphasised the necessity of creating safe school environments in all communities to ensure that no child was deprived of education under any circumstances.
He stressed the need for effective advocacy from religious and traditional leaders, community groups down to the School-Based Management Committees, among others.
According to him, NSCDC as the leading implementing agency of the project will continue to liaise with relevant institutions and sister security agencies.
He noted that schools had experienced attacks, leading to the initiation of the Safe Schools Initiative, which began in the northwest states and had now expanded to cover all parts of the country.
He noted that if schools were not safe or the environment was perceived to be harmful, there was every tendency that the children would not stay or undertake proper learning.
He stated that such efforts would prevent learners and educational personnel from attack and refrain from actions that impeded children’s access to education.
NSCDC’s Deputy Commandant in charge of training, Mr Mainasara Abubakar, said the event would feature presentations, discussions and development of communication strategies.
Abubakar enjoined officers to live up to the expectations on safeguarding the school environments and ensure harmonious partnership with community groups as high percentage of participants were from the grassroots. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
