Enhancing School Safety: A New Partnership in Nasarawa State
In a significant move to ensure the safety and security of students and school infrastructure, the Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), Dr. Kassim Muhammad-Kassim, has announced a partnership with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). This collaboration aims to protect primary school pupils and school structures from threats such as kidnapping and vandalism.
The announcement was made during a meeting held at the NSUBEB headquarters in Lafia, the state capital, where Dr. Muhammad-Kassim hosted the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mohammed Kabir. The meeting highlighted the importance of creating a secure environment for students, teachers, and staff, ensuring that educational activities can proceed without disruption.
The ‘Safety School Programme Unit’
Under the newly established ‘Safety School Programme Unit’, NSCDC officers will be deployed to monitor and safeguard primary schools across the state. This initiative is designed to address several critical issues, including the threat of kidnapping, burglary, and vandalism. By implementing this program, the NSUBEB aims to create a more conducive academic atmosphere that supports both teaching and learning.
Dr. Muhammad-Kassim emphasized that the government has invested substantial resources into renovating and constructing school buildings, as well as providing necessary furniture. He stressed that these investments should not be undermined by criminal activities.
“We had mobilized contractors to renovate and build new school structures, provide furniture, and spent a significant amount of money. We will not allow criminals to vandalise these properties,” he said.
Combating Vandalism and Criminal Activities
In addition to securing school premises, the partnership also focuses on addressing the issue of property theft. Dr. Muhammad-Kassim urged the NSCDC to intensify efforts to apprehend individuals involved in purchasing stolen or vandalized school properties. He argued that if these individuals are properly monitored and charged, it would significantly reduce the incidence of vandalism.
This approach reflects a broader commitment to maintaining the integrity of public infrastructure and ensuring that the state’s investment in education is protected.
Commitment to Quality Education
Dr. Muhammad-Kassim also reiterated the administration’s dedication to upholding high standards in education. He highlighted the importance of regular training and retraining of teachers to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness in the classroom. This focus on professional development is aimed at improving the overall quality of education in the state.
Collaboration with NSCDC
The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mohammed Kabir, welcomed the partnership and expressed his commitment to working closely with the NSUBEB. He noted that the NSCDC operates the ‘Safety School Programme’ in all states, with a control unit based in Abuja. Kabir emphasized that Nasarawa State’s participation in this program would be a valuable contribution to the national effort to protect children and school infrastructure.
“We monitor schools through our ‘Safety School Programme’ operating in all states, with our control unit located in Abuja; if Nasarawa State can participate in this program to protect school children and infrastructure, we are ready to partner with you,” Kabir stated.
This collaboration represents a proactive step towards ensuring the safety of students and protecting the state’s educational investments. It underscores the importance of coordinated efforts between different agencies to address pressing challenges and create a secure learning environment for all.
