'Safe school declaration represents commitment protecting

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It has been stressed that the Safe Schools Declaration represents a collective commitment to protecting students, educators, and educational institutions in conflict-affected areas.

The assertion was made by the Executive Director of the Syndicate in Supporting Women and Children Initiative (SISWACHI), Hajiya Maryam Mohammed, during a one-day CSOs and Community-Led Safety and Security of Schools Bill 2024 held at the American Space in Bauchi on Monday.

She stated that “it is a privilege to stand before you today as we gather to address a matter of utmost importance—ensuring that our schools are safe, free from violence, and conducive to learning for all our children.”

The ED stated that “it is a fundamental human right for our children to go to school; however, the ongoing challenges in Northern Nigeria, including insecurity and violence against educational institutions, have put this right in jeopardy.”

According to her, “Today, we come together not only to discuss the passage of this bill but to foster a shared understanding of the critical role we all need to play in safeguarding our children’s right to education.”

Maryam Mohammed stressed that “each of you in this room represents a piece of the puzzle, be it government representatives, civil society organisations, educators, or community leaders. Your insights, experiences, and commitment to this cause are invaluable.”

She added that, “As we engage in discussions today, let us focus on identifying actionable strategies that will facilitate the successful passage and implementation of the Safe School Declaration Bill.”

“The children of Northern Nigeria deserve the chance to learn and thrive in an environment free from fear and violence. Let us work hand in hand to make a difference for our children and our communities,” she concluded.

In his keynote remarks, Prof. Kehinde Olayode of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Oyo State, stressed the importance of safety in schools across the country if education for all must be achieved.

He added that everything possible must be done to ensure that every school is safe and secure for a conducive environment for learning and teaching, stressing that the government must do the needful.

Kehinde Olayode commended the Bauchi State Government and the State House of Assembly for showing interest and commitment to ensuring a safe school through the proposed bill.

Also speaking, representatives of the traditional institutions in Bauchi State expressed readiness to join in the advocacy to have the bill passed into law and signed by the executive arm of government.

According to him, with the involvement of traditional institutions, the advocacy will be more effective in ensuring that the objectives are achieved.

Others who made presentations on the subject included the police, NSCDC, Ministry of Education, SUBEB, and other stakeholders in the sector.

The CSOs and Community-Led Public Hearing on the Safety and Security of Schools Bill was organised by the Syndicate In Supporting Women and Children Initiative (SISWACHI) in collaboration with the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), UNDEF, and FNUD.

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