Safe school initiative: NSCDC maps out protection strategies

THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) high command has announced that new safety and security measures are being put in place to address frequent attacks on schools and abduction of students for ransom in the country.

Commander of National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre (NSSRCC), Dr Hammed Abodunrin, speaking in Abuja, reassured Nigerians of adequate provision of safety and security for schools ranging from primary, post-primary to tertiary institutions.

Abodunrin, spoke when he received the President of National Association of University Students at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence National Headquarters in Abuja.

He said NSCDC through the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, will soon commence a sensitisation programme for schools and communities as stipulated in its action plan.

Abodunrin averred that the National Safe Schools Project was not only for the security agencies alone but also for schools, tertiary institutions and host communities, describing it as a whole-of-society affair.

The Commander who applauded the initiative of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi for conducting a schools vulnerability survey on assumption of duty said, the centre was birthed to address the insecurity in the nation’s educational sector in line with global safe schools declaration.

He stated further that the NSSRCC was designed to go beyond ensuring smooth learning and teaching process in schools; as well as militate against issues like rape, kidnapping, sexual harassment, intimidation, cultism, bullying etc.

Abodunrin assured NAUS of his willingness to collaborate with the association in providing security for educational institutions through kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to combat all forms of insecurity across the board.

He added that the non-kinetic approach would involve sensitization and awareness programmes which would be in the form of train-the-trainer workshop at the institution’s national executive meetings where matters concerning basic security tips and how to identify possible security threats or dangers would be addressed.

“I am optimistic that with these modalities and security strategies put in place, every graduate will be a mini security person,” he added.

National President of NAUS, Comrade Obaji Marshal, earlier in his address said that the giant strides of the NSCDC was recognised and appreciated, hence the need for a courtesy visit to further strengthen the relationship.

He, however, noted that the activities of the NSSRCC need wider publicity and the association is willing to partner with the Centre to get students integrated in its programmes.

Citing the recent ugly incident at the Plateau State University, the president solicited the deployment of armed personnel of the Corps to tertiary institutions amongst other measures.

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