Jigawa State Government in collaboration with UNICEF has inaugurated the State Safe School Coordination Committee to ensure the protection of children and learning environment.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Usman Muhammad disclosed this during the inauguration of the committee in Dutse.
He said the committee is to enhance security in schools by coordinating with security agencies and stakeholders, receiving and referring complaints, and maintaining emergency hotlines.
“We are taking strict measures to respond and ensure maximum security and protection of schools and our children across the state.
“The committee will consider Issues that has to do with hazards, violence against children, negligence, sexual abuse, among others,” he said.
Usman noted that the state government will to anything possible to support the committee to ensure safer learning environments.
Education Specialist, UNICEF Kano Field Office, Muntaka Muktar, said Nigeria has experienced several attacks on the education sector.
He said the North-East is the worst hit in such attacks, resulting in the closure of many schools and disruption of learning activities.
“The attacks have become more intense in recent times, with cases of abduction of school children on the rise. Ransoms have had to be paid to the perpetrators, either by the government or by parents, in every instance.
“More than 910 schools have been destroyed by non-state actors, and at least 1,500 have been forced to close,” he said.