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• Advocates stronger safety in schools
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has appreciated the collaborative efforts of the Federal Government, donor agencies and partners, for the significant progress made thus far in providing access to education and lifelong skills for 7.2 million children in humanitarian settings across Nigeria.
UNICEF said the feat was despite the attacks on schools in North East and North West regions in 2021 that led to learning disruptions for over 1.3 million children, thus necessitating precautionary school closures, and urgent call for comprehensive school safety.
UNICEF, however, amplified the campaign for improved safety and security in schools, especially in the troubled states in the country to encourage parents to confidently release their children to attend schools for the purposes of acquiring education and lifelong skills.
UNICEF Nigeria Country representative, Cristian Munduate, in a message to commemorate the 2024 International Day of Education with the theme: “Learning for lasting peace,” said such annual event provides the needed opportunity to highlight the crucial role that education plays in promoting peace and stability.
“The event also serves as a reminder to all stakeholders, including federal and state governments, development partners, civil society, communities and educators, of the importance of providing safe and secured learning environments for the children.”
She admitted that Nigeria has, undoubtedly, shown a strong commitment to creating safe school environments through endorsing the Safe Schools Declaration, and developing the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools.
“Nevertheless, there is room for further progress. So, we are reminded of the collective responsibility we share in safeguarding the educational environment for every child. Education is a key driver of gender equality, economic growth, and social development, sadly it remains inaccessible to many Nigerian children.
“Their educational journey is often disrupted by attacks on communities and schools, including the abduction of students. These challenges are particularly acute for adolescent girls, potentially stalling the progress made in girls’ education in Nigeria,” Munduate said.
She, thus, 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.
Munduate further emphasised the importance of alternative learning platforms, such as the Nigerian Learning Passport which is a digital platform, with over 750,000 users that offer curriculum-aligned materials for ensuring continuity of education, especially during school closures.
She, however, restated the commitment of UNICEF to working with the Nigerian government, donors and all partners to ensure every child has access to a safe, inclusive, and quality education.
