Katsina pushes to implement safe schools policy
The Katsina State Government has intensified efforts to create safer learning environments through the domestication of the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools.
The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Nasir Ahmed, disclosed this in Katsina on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ahmed made the disclosure when members of the committee reviewing the policy paid a visit to the Commissioner for MBASE, Mr Yusuf Suleiman-Jibia.
The review process is being supported by Save the Children International under the Education Cannot Wait First Emergency Response Project, with a strong emphasis on promoting violence-free educational spaces across the state.
The visit provided a platform for the committee to present progress on the domestication of the national framework to reflect the peculiar needs and realities of the state.
The leader of the delegation said that the initiative aims to strengthen safety standards and ensure schools remain secure and conducive for teaching and learning.
Ahmed briefed the commissioner on key milestones achieved so far, noting that significant portions of the policy have been successfully aligned with local realities.
He disclosed that the committee had carried out extensive consultations across the state, including focus group discussions and key informant interviews with critical stakeholders.
According to him, contributions from the engagements have enriched the draft policy, ensuring that emerging safety concerns, implementation challenges and community perspectives are adequately captured.
“As part of next steps, the committee is expected to finalise the draft by incorporating stakeholders’ inputs, conduct validation, and submit the document for approval.
“Plans are also underway for statewide dissemination and implementation, alongside sustained engagement to ensure ownership and long-term sustainability,” he said.
In his response, the commissioner commended the committee for its diligence and the progress recorded, describing the exercise as vital to protecting students and enhancing the quality of education in the state.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the process and urged the committee to ensure that validation of the revised policy is concluded before the end of the month to enable timely approval and implementation.
According to him, the meeting also reinforced collaboration between the ministry and the committee, while setting a clear timeline for the validation stage of the policy.
He added that the development highlights the shared resolve of the state government and its partners to guarantee safe, inclusive and violence-free schools for all learners.
(NAN)
