The Bauchi State Government and the State House of Assembly have been urged to ensure the seamless passage and signing of the proposed Bauchi State Schools’ Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Bill 2024.
This call was made by Prof. Ahmed Salisu Garba, Acting Vice Chancellor of Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja, during the Public Hearing on the Bauchi State Schools’ Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Bill 2024, held on Monday, August 26, 2024, at the American Space, Bauchi State Library.
In his keynote address in support of the Bill, Prof. Garba stated, “We vividly recall the abduction of over 300 boys from Government Science Secondary School in Kankara, Katsina State, in December 2020.
Before that, 110 girls were abducted from Government Girls’ Science and Technical College in Dapchi, Yobe State, in 2018.”
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He continued, “And prior to 2018, we also remember the 2014 abduction of 276 girls from Government Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State.
We have it on good authority that many of these young girls have yet to return home.”
Prof. Garba emphasized, “These are not isolated incidents. In recent years, we have witnessed an alarming increase in attacks on schools across the country, particularly in the northern regions.
Bandits and insurgents have targeted educational institutions not only for ransom but also as a means to destabilize communities and disrupt the education of our youth.
These attacks have forced countless schools to close their doors, depriving students of their right to education and leaving communities in fear.”
He added, “In the face of such threats, the safety and security of our schools have become paramount. We cannot stand by and allow our children’s education to be held hostage by violence.
The Bauchi State Schools’ Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Bill 2024 is a necessary and timely response to these challenges.
It offers a comprehensive framework to protect our students, educators, and schools from the dangers they face daily.”
On the urgency of school safety, Prof. Garba stated, “We are all aware that the safety and security of our schools have never been more critical.
In recent years, our nation has faced numerous challenges that threaten the sanctity of our educational environments.”
He further explained, “From attacks by insurgents to rising cases of violence, our schools have increasingly become targets rather than sanctuaries.
This Bill is a necessary and timely response, offering a comprehensive framework that addresses these threats head-on.”
Speaking on the establishment of the Bauchi State Safety and Security Agency, the VC stressed, “One of the most commendable aspects of this Bill is the establishment of the Bauchi State Safety and Security Agency.”
“This Agency is tasked with the vital role of coordinating all efforts related to school safety and security across the state.
By centralizing these efforts, the Agency will ensure that our policies are consistent, our resources are effectively utilized, and our responses are timely and well-coordinated,” he added.
He explained, “As outlined in Section 1 of the Bill, the Agency will be domiciled in the Office of the Governor, providing it with the necessary authority and oversight to implement its mandates.
This structure not only ensures accountability but also facilitates direct access to the highest levels of state leadership, thereby prioritizing school safety in the broader context of state security.”
Prof. Garba also emphasized the importance of supporting schools through the School Security Fund, stating, “Another critical provision is the establishment of the School Security Fund, as detailed in Section 10.
This Fund is a groundbreaking initiative that guarantees sustained financial support for the implementation of safety measures in our schools.”
He continued, “The Fund’s design is forward-thinking; it allows for budgetary allocations, as well as donations and grants from local and international organizations.
This diverse funding mechanism ensures that our schools have the resources they need to build secure environments.”
“For example, the Fund will be used to finance security infrastructure such as perimeter fencing, surveillance systems, and controlled access points. These are not just theoretical measures; they are practical solutions that will make a tangible difference in the everyday lives of our students and educators,” he added.
The VC also highlighted the importance of empowering Local School Safety Committees, saying, “The Bill also wisely decentralizes certain responsibilities through the creation of School Safety Committees, as outlined in Section 16.”
He explained, “These Committees, to be established in every educational institution, will be responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring school-specific safety policies.
This approach recognizes that while overarching policies are essential, the specific needs of each school may vary. By empowering local committees, the Bill ensures that safety measures are tailored to the unique challenges and contexts of each school.”
He added, “These Committees will include representatives from teaching staff, parents, and local authorities, ensuring a holistic approach to school safety that engages all relevant stakeholders.
This inclusive model not only fosters community involvement but also enhances the overall effectiveness of the safety measures implemented.”
On addressing psychological well-being through counseling and mental health support, Prof. Garba noted, “The Bill’s provisions are not limited to physical safety alone; they also encompass the psychological well-being of our students. Section 21 mandates that schools provide access to counseling services and mental health support.”
He continued, “This is a crucial inclusion, as we recognize that the trauma associated with violence, or even the fear of violence, can have long-lasting effects on our students’ ability to learn and thrive.”
By institutionalizing mental health support in the Bill, we ensure that students who experience trauma or stress have access to the care they need to recover and continue their education in a supportive environment.
This holistic approach to safety, which considers both physical and emotional well-being, is one of the Bill’s greatest strengths.”
On ensuring accountability and sustainability, Prof. Garba stressed, “Accountability is a recurring theme throughout the Bill, and rightly so.
The provisions for regular audits, the establishment of oversight mechanisms, and the clear definition of roles and responsibilities all contribute to a framework that is both transparent and sustainable.”
He continued, “For instance, Section 30 mandates biennial reviews of school security certificates, ensuring that safety measures are not only implemented but also maintained over time.
This continuous monitoring and evaluation process is essential for adapting to new challenges and ensuring that our schools remain safe havens.”
Prof. Garba also emphasized learning from success stories, stating, “As we deliberate on this Bill, it is important to remember that these provisions are not merely aspirational; they are modeled on best practices that have been successfully implemented in other regions and countries.”
He continued, “In particular, we can draw inspiration from international examples, such as the Safe Schools Declaration, with which this Bill aligns.
Countries that have adopted similar frameworks have seen significant reductions in school-related violence and improvements in the overall safety of their educational environments.”
He concluded, “Today, we have the opportunity to take a decisive step toward securing the future of education in Bauchi State. The Bauchi State Schools’ Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Bill 2024 offers us a robust and comprehensive framework to protect our schools and, by extension, our communities.”
“This Bill is more than just a collection of policies; it is a commitment to our children, to their education, and to their right to learn in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment,” he added.
Prof. Garba urged the participating organizations to support the Bill and champion its swift passage into law, stating, “The stakes are too high for us to delay or compromise. Our children are counting on us to act with urgency and resolve.
Let us rise to the occasion and ensure that every school in Bauchi State is a place where students can learn without fear, where teachers can teach without worry, and where education can fulfill its true purpose as a cornerstone of peace and progress.”
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