Nigeria focuses on preventing school attacks
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Journalists, security officials, and government representatives in Nigeria met in Lagos to discuss shifting from reactive responses to proactive protection of schools.
The 7th Annual Summit of the Education Writers Association of Nigeria (EWAN) focused on the increasing threat to education in the country, stemming from abductions like the 2014 Chibok girls kidnapping, attacks by armed groups, and community conflicts. Attendees challenged journalists to go beyond reporting incidents and to investigate whether security measures and allocated funds are effective.
They emphasized the need to ensure schools are safe spaces for learning, free from fear and violence. The Inspector-General of Police, through a representative, stated that school safety is now a national security issue, outlining pillars of intelligence-led policing and community partnerships. During the summit, officials revealed the establishment of a national plan to finance safe schools, with 15 billion Naira released by the Federal Government in 2023.
However, speakers also highlighted ongoing challenges such as inadequate school fencing, a lack of data on school structures, and a weak justice system. Participants called for increased collaboration between schools, communities, and government to create sustainable safety measures, and for governors to prioritize school safety in their budgets.
