Strengthening School Security: Imo State Hosts Two-Day Forum to Enhance Protection Initiatives
By Mary Ugorji
The Nigeria Police Force Schools Protection Squad (SPS) recently hosted a pivotal two-day forum at Rock View Hotel in Owerri, Imo State, focusing on “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education.” This event brought together various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, educational leaders, military representatives, and students from different schools, all united in the mission to bolster security around educational institutions.
The forum aligns with the national initiative on Financing Safe Schools in Nigeria, launched following the alarming increase in attacks on educational facilities since 2014.
Hajiya Halima Iliya, the National Coordinator on Financing Safe Schools from the Federal Ministry of Finance, emphasized the escalating threat to education in Nigeria and across West Africa. She noted that in response to these challenges, the Nigerian government signed the Safe Schools Declaration in 2019, committing itself to safeguarding educational environments.
Iliya highlighted the 2021 meeting, attended virtually by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, which aimed to develop a comprehensive plan for addressing attacks on education in a sustainable manner.
The resulting strategy includes innovative funding sources from not only the federal government but also sub-national entities, private sectors, and philanthropic organizations. In December 2022, a mid-term expenditure framework was launched, with the federal government committing an initial release of 15 billion Naira to support its implementation.
The Key stakeholders in attendance included representatives from the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Imo State Commissioner for Education, and local community leaders. The collaborative effort aims to create a safer educational environment by training and empowering both security personnel and host communities, who play a vital role in early warning and response to potential threats.
In an interview with journalists, the national Coordinator and Police Commissioner Abayomi Shogunle stressed the need for security in all educational institutions, aiming to foster a conducive learning atmosphere across Nigeria.
The Nigerian Police Force plans to leverage its extensive nationwide presence to proactively tackle potential disruptions in education.
Shogunle who said, call center for reporting security issues, and providing a direct line of communication aimed at fortifying school safety. The call center’s contact number is 0807 735 7777.
Cp Abayomi, who addressed the rising issue of cultism and other disruptive behaviors within schools, acknowledged the sensitivity around such topics while assuring the people that the SPS is actively working to maintain a safe and supportive educational environment for students.
