By; AMOS TAUNA, Kaduna
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says only 43 per cent of the minimum standards for safe schools are being met in about 6,000 assessed schools and called for concerted efforts to enhance school safety in Nigeria.
Ms. Cristian Munduate, the UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, stated this in her message to mark the 2024 International Day of Education with the theme, “Learning for Lasting Peace”, on Wednesday.
She explained Nigeria’s commitment to creating safe school environments by endorsing the Safe Schools Declaration and developing the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, saying that there is the need for further progress and collective responsibility in safeguarding the educational environment for every child.
According to her, “The theme of the 2024 International Day of Education, ‘learning for lasting peace,’ underscores the crucial role of education in promoting peace and stability. It serves as a reminder to all stakeholders of the importance of providing safe, secure learning environments.”
The UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative explained that the challenges faced by Nigerian children, particularly adolescent girls, whose educational journey is often disrupted by attacks on communities and schools, including the abduction of students.
According to her, the recent attacks on schools have led to learning disruptions for over 1.3 million children, necessitating precautionary school closures, and highlighting the urgency of addressing school safety comprehensively.
She called for a multi-sectoral approach to improve school safety, informed by the performance of states on the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, suggesting that the approach should include comprehensive planning, coordination, and adequate resource allocation, especially in states with higher risks.
She stressed the importance of alternative learning platforms, such as the Nigerian Learning Passport, which offers curriculum-aligned materials and is crucial for ensuring continuity of education, especially during school closures.
