Save the Children urges protection of Yobe schools
By Baba Dan’Iya
Mr Iliya Joseph, the Programme Manager of Save the Children International (SCI), Yobe State Field Office, has called for concerted efforts to protect schools from attacks in the state.
Joseph made the call during a commemoration of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack in Damaturu on Monday.
He said the event aimed to bring stakeholders together to commit to protecting schools from attacks, especially in the wake of recent attacks on schools and abduction of children.
“We are looking at the stakeholders involved, such as government officials, military, paramilitary, civil society organisations, among others, so that all hands can be on deck to achieve this common goal.
“We want our children to go to school freely, learn freely in a safe learning environment,” he said.
Joseph expressed hope that at the end of the programme, parents would have peace of mind and send their children to school without fear.
In his remarks, Prof Abba Adam, the Yobe Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, highlighted some measures taken by the government to safeguard schools in the state.
Adam, represented by Alhaji Bukar Aji Bukar, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, mentioned measures to include fencing schools, deploying security personnel, relocating schools from volatile areas, and providing solar-powered security lights and metal detectors.
CSC Muhammad Dawaki of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps emphasised the importance of intelligence gathering and synergy among security agencies in protecting schools and providing a safer learning environment.
