Protecting Education: Save the Children leads coalition in Yobe
Baba Dan’Iya
Save the Children International (SCI) on Tuesday convened stakeholders in Damaturu to mark the International Day to Protect Education from Attack (IDPEA).
Held under the theme “Securing Education, Safeguarding the Future”, the forum stressed the urgent need to shield schools, students and teachers from the impact of conflict and violence.
The high-level meeting brought together representatives from the state education sector, security agencies, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), local government chairmen, groups representing people living with disabilities (PLWDs), and development partners.
Prof. Abba Idriss Adam, Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education, said education remained the foundation of society but was under multiple threats.
Represented by Abdullahi Yakubu, Adam said the state must adopt the right strategies, investments and collective commitment to ensure safe learning environments.
He expressed hope that discussions among stakeholders would produce practical solutions for strengthening the protection of education in the state.
Earlier, Mr. Dennis Elisha, Field Manager of SCI in Yobe, explained the significance of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack.
He noted that while education remained a pathway to a brighter future, conflict zones threatened that right, robbing children of their opportunities and weakening societies.
“SCI as an organisation reaffirms its commitment to protecting education, but this goal requires a collective effort,” Elisha said.
He called on government agencies, security forces, community leaders, parents and development partners to unite in protecting schools, teachers and students.
The commemoration underscored Yobe State’s growing commitment to ensuring that the right to education is upheld, even amid security challenges, recognising that safeguarding schools was key to securing the region’s future.
