The Nigerian federal government has reinforced its commitment to safeguarding educational facilities nationwide, condemning attacks on schools and student abductions as unacceptable. At a news conference ahead of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, announced plans to enhance school safety, strengthen the Safe School Policy, and combat financial leakages in the education sector to improve access to affordable, quality education.

Dr. Sununu emphasized the government’s determination to implement the Safe School Declaration, which was ratified in 2019, by collaborating with stakeholders to protect schools and uphold the right to education, especially within Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps. He highlighted the need for threat assessments to bolster school security nationwide and acknowledged that both physical and non-physical attacks have affected Nigeria’s education system. These efforts, he noted, align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to address security challenges and get four million out-of-school children back into the classroom.

Additionally, the government plans to create a formal negotiation team to address the recent school fee hikes by facilitating dialogue between the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and other stakeholders. Dr. Sununu argued that fee increases could exacerbate tensions, leading to further security concerns. He also acknowledged the PTA’s role in supporting school services and stressed the importance of a unified approach to financing, safeguarding, and providing accessible, quality education.

Observing the International Day to Protect Education from Attack on September 8, 2023, Nigeria joins the global community in focusing on the protection and advancement of education, with activities planned to highlight the need for collaborative school safety efforts.