Bauchi, Gombe begin implementation of national safe school plan

The Bauchi and Gombe state governments have commenced implementation of the National Safe School Plan initiated by the federal government.

This is coming on the heels of a spate of attacks on schools in parts of the country.

The National Safe School Plan was initiated to provide safe learning and teaching environments for pupils and students.

In December 2022, the federal government unveiled the N145.8 billion National Plan on Financing Safe Schools to be implemented between 2023-2026.

It also earmarked N15 billion to facilitate implementation of the programme in 48 schools from 18 states across the country.

Under the plan, the states may budget for the programme to augment the federal government’s gesture.

NAN reports that Bauchi and Gombe are at various implementation stages of the project.

In Bauchi, the state government had identified 48 schools for participation in the programme.

Ali Gar, director of planning, research and statistics, Bauchi state ministry of education, reiterated the government’s commitment to the programme.

Gar said adequate provisions have been made in the proposed 2024 budget to fast-track implementation.

He said the ministry has a designated Safe School desk officer and has set up a technical committee to create awareness and sensitise communities.

“We have gone to 15 local government areas where 48 schools had been selected to benefit from the initiative, sensitising people with regards to safe school,” he said.

“Assessment team came from Abuja where they also went to see these 48 schools and went back.

“What we are waiting for now is whether they will release the funds for its commencement in earnest or if it is the federal ministry of finance that will come and execute the work.”

Ibrahim Gabdo, public relations officer, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Bauchi state command, said the corps is collaborating with relevant stakeholders to facilitate the successful implementation of the programme.

Gabdo reiterated the commitment of the corps to adequate security in schools.

“We are to collaborate with co-stakeholders in the Safe School Initiative such as the ministries of finance and education, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Service (DSS), National Orientation Agency (NOA), among others,” he said.

“The corps in concert with the state government will establish a center for the Safe School programme for proper coordination.

“We are also embarking on advocacy and sensitisation of some of the stakeholders and ministries on the safe school initiative in the state.”

He said the corps had trained its personnel and exposed them to the modus operandi of the initiative.

He urged residents of the state to support the programme.

The NSCDC also urged the Gombe government to construct perimeter fences in some unfenced schools across the state.

Mohammed Muazu, commandant of the corps, said the call has become imperative.

“Some public schools are porous without perimeter fence, and there is need for the government as a matter of urgency to do what is necessary to safeguard the schools,” he said.

“Fence acts as deterrent to intruders and trespassers as well as improve the security of the structure it surrounds.”

He added that the corps is part of the Safe School declaration committee.

“We are willing to cooperate with the government. What we require is mobility to ensure proper supervision,” he said.

“Our intention is to post armed security in each of the schools, but we cannot do that without mobility.”