Katsina Deepens Drive for Safer Schools with Policy Implementation Push

The Katsina State Government has intensified efforts to promote secure and violence-free learning environments through the domestication of the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools.

The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Nasir Ahmed, made this known in Katsina during a visit by a policy review committee to the Commissioner for the ministry, Yusuf Suleiman-Jibia.

The initiative is being supported by Save the Children International under the Education Cannot Wait First Emergency Response Project, with a strong focus on ensuring schools across the state are safe and conducive for learning.

Ahmed explained that the visit provided an opportunity for the committee to present progress made in adapting the national framework to reflect the state’s peculiar needs and realities.

He noted that significant portions of the policy have already been aligned with local conditions following wide consultations, including focus group discussions and key informant interviews with relevant stakeholders.

According to him, feedback from these engagements has strengthened the draft policy by addressing emerging safety concerns, implementation challenges, and incorporating community perspectives.

He added that the next phase involves finalising the draft, validating it with stakeholders, and submitting it for approval, alongside plans for statewide dissemination and implementation.

In his response, Suleiman-Jibia commended the committee’s efforts, describing the initiative as critical to protecting students and enhancing educational standards.

He urged the committee to conclude the validation process before the end of the month to facilitate timely approval and rollout.

The move highlights a growing commitment by the state government and its partners to ensure safe, inclusive, and violence-free schools for all learners.

(Punch)