Kano to establish safe school coordinating centre at NSCDC headquarters
The Kano State Government has announced plans to establish a Safe School Coordinating Centre at the state headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
This initiative aims to bolster the safety and security of schools across the state.
The State Commissioner for Education, Umar Haruna Doguwa, disclosed this during the flag-off ceremony of a one-day sensitisation programme themed “Understanding the Basis of School Security” in Kano on Tuesday.
The programme was organised as part of efforts to ensure the successful implementation of the Safe Schools Project.
Doguwa praised the NSCDC for its dedication to the project, emphasising the crucial role the security agency plays in safeguarding educational institutions.
He noted that the collaboration between security agencies and the state government has been instrumental in maintaining peace and security in Kano, contributing to a conducive environment for teaching and learning.
“The Civil Defence’s commitment to ensuring the safety of schools is highly commendable. Their efforts will go a long way in improving the security architecture within and around educational institutions, thus enhancing the overall quality of education in Kano State,” the commissioner said.
Governor Abba Yusuf, represented at the event by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, Major General M. I. Idris (retd), also commended the NSCDC for its pivotal role in the state’s security framework.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school property.
In his opening remarks, the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Mohammed Falala, highlighted the importance of the Safe Schools Project. He explained that the initiative is focused on protecting schools from the threats posed by insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers, which have become a significant concern across the country.
“The Safe Schools Project is designed to safeguard educational institutions from security threats. It’s an initiative that is much needed in light of the challenges faced by schools due to the activities of insurgents and criminals,” Falala stated.
He also expressed gratitude to the Kano State Government for its unwavering support of the project, noting that this collaboration will enhance the safety of both public and private schools in the state.
The sensitisation programme featured presentations from several key stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Department of State Services.
Commander Hameed Abodunrin, PhD, from the National Safe School Response Coordination Centre, Abuja, delivered a presentation on the NSSRCC’s objectives and expectations for the initiative.
Over 250 participants, including teachers, students, traditional rulers, and members of the Council of Principals, attended the event. Management staff of the NSCDC, area commanders, divisional officers, and Safe School Desk Officers were also in attendance.
