The Katsina State Government has inaugurated a State Steering Committee on Safe Schools as part of efforts to strengthen safety and protection in schools across the state.
The committee was inaugurated by the Katsina State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in collaboration with UNICEF and Save the Children at the Education Resource Centre in Katsina.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Yusuf Suleiman Jibia, described the inauguration as a significant step toward ensuring that schools in the state remain safe and conducive for teaching and learning.
He commended Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for prioritising education and supporting policies aimed at improving learning outcomes and the welfare of children across the state.
Jibia noted that education can only thrive in an environment where safety, dignity and protection are guaranteed, stressing that schools in some communities face challenges ranging from insecurity and natural hazards to various forms of violence that can disrupt learning.
He said the newly inaugurated committee would provide strategic leadership and coordination for the implementation of safe school initiatives in the state. According to him, the committee will oversee the domestication and implementation of the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, strengthen risk management systems and promote emergency preparedness in schools.
The commissioner also acknowledged the contributions of development partners supporting education and child protection initiatives in the state, including Save the Children and Education Cannot Wait through its First Emergency Response Programme.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Hajiya Ummulkhairi Ahmed Bawa, expressed appreciation to development partners for their continued support toward improving education and child protection systems in Katsina State.
Also speaking, the Katsina State Programme Manager of Save the Children, Mrs. Altine, presented an overview of the organisation’s activities in the state, highlighting interventions aimed at promoting safe and resilient education systems.
The State Steering Committee on Safe Schools comprises representatives from government ministries, security agencies, education bodies, humanitarian partners, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and community groups.
The committee is expected to coordinate the implementation of safe school policies, develop state action plans, monitor progress, advocate funding for safety initiatives and maintain data systems to track school safety programmes.
It will also establish specialised subcommittees focusing on emergency preparedness and response, psychosocial support for students and teachers, risk assessment and reporting, and security coordination during emergencies.
The event was attended by education stakeholders, security officials, traditional leaders and development partners committed to improving safety and learning conditions in schools across the state.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Bashir Ya’u, Media Assistant to the Katsina State Governor at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
