Danjuma Attah, Gombe
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has called on Governments at all levels in Nigeria to prioritize education and child protection policies that creates a safer, more inclusive environment for Nigerian children.
UNICEF made the call in a statement marking ten years since the mass abduction of Chibok school girls in the Northeast adding that more budgetary allocations should be made for children’s safety and development issues. No fewer than 90 of the girls are still reported to be in captivity.
Raising these concerns, UNICEF said intensified efforts are needed to protect the country’s most vulnerable population—its children, even when the country is recovering from another abduction of schoolchildren in Kaduna state in March of this year.
The statement which was signed by Suzan Akila, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Nigeria advised Governments to ensure the continuity of education and learning when schools are shut through multiple learning pathways such as radio and TV programmes and through digital platforms like the Nigeria Learning Passport.
The statement also quoted Ms. Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria saying, “The kidnapping of the Chibok girls was a wake-up call to the severe risks our children face in their pursuit of education.”
Ms. Cristian Munduate also said, “Today, reflecting on this tragedy and other recent abductions, it is evident that our efforts to safeguard our children’s futures must be amplified.
“Given these alarming statistics, we must address not only the symptoms but also the root causes of this crisis. Education is a fundamental right and a crucial pathway out of poverty. Yet, for too many Nigerian children, it remains an unattainable dream,” Munduate decried.
The UNICEF statement also released the ‘Minimum Standards for Safe Schools (MSSS) Monitoring Report,’ with a staggering reality showing that, “the journey toward ensuring every Nigerian child can learn in a safe environment is far from over.
“Most notably, the report shows that just 37 per cent of schools across 10 states have early warning systems in place to identify threats, such as school attacks”, it stressed.
UNICEF therefore wants all schools across all states to have the resources and tools to fully implement the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, focusing on the most vulnerable regions while critical gaps in safe school infrastructure, preparedness for natural disasters, conflicts, and comprehensive approaches to violence against children must be addressed.
Also important is that law enforcement and security measures to protect educational institutions and communities from attacks and abductions must be strengthened.
“As we remember the Chibok girls and all children whose right to education has been compromised, let this somber anniversary serve as a catalyst for change.
“However, we must acknowledge the recent abductions, which underscore the persistent vulnerability of our schools. To ensure that schools are safe havens, strong political will and proper implementation of safe school standards are essential.
“Together, we can restore trust between educational institutions and the communities they serve, ensuring schools are sanctuaries for learning and growth,” said Munduate.
