How Nigeria can improve safety, security in schools – don
How Nigeria can improve safety, security in schools – don
A university lecturer, Prof. Kehinde Olayode, has emphasised the need for enhanced security and safety in schools to improve learning.
Olayode, a Professor of International Relations and Governance at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, made the emphasis in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.
He said that safety of schools was about creating an environment where children could learn, grow and thrive without fear.
The don said that a holistic school safety and security plan was necessary to ensure that all learners, teachers and school property as well as school communities would be protected againt human-induced and natural hazards.
He advocated adoption of the Safe School Declaration (SSD) as a law.
According to him, one of the key provisions of SSD is establishment of a national fund dedicated to supporting implementation of safe school measures.
The professor urged the Federal Government to increase funding for safety of schools and security of the entire country.
He said: “The fund will support development of infrastructure, training of security personnel and provision of psychological support for students and staff affected by violence.”
He, however, said that successful implementation of SSD would require resources from sources apart from government.
The don advised that resources within communities, such as human, financial and material, should be mobilised for safety and security of schools.
Olayode urged community involvement, contributions from philanthropists, and support from non-state actors such as the media, in mobilising necessary resources for safety and security of schools.
”School safety and security require support of existing socio-political structures in communities for legitimacy and sustainability.
Read Also: Adamawa to transport 10,035 intending Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia…
“Without the support of traditional rulers and religious leaders, it would be impossible for SSD interventions to succeed.
“Also, media partnership is required in mobilising and energising community participation in SSD,” he said.
Olayode noted that Safe School Initiative aligned with the global commitment to providing safe learning environments, adding that it was necessary for Nigeria and the world at large.
The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that Nigeria endorsed SSD in 2015, joining global commitment to protecting education during armed conflicts.
