Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has launched the Katsina State Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, describing the initiative as the government’s commitment to protecting students and teachers from insecurity and violence.
During the launching ceremony on Tuesday, the Governor maintained that every school in Katsina State must become a safe haven for learning, free from fear, violence, and disruption.
Governor Radda also emphasized that education thrives only in secure environments where children learn in dignity and peace. Insecurity, attacks on schools, bullying, substance abuse, and gender-based violence have devastated learning across the state.
“Education is the strongest pillar for development, peace, and prosperity. But education can only thrive where schools are safe and secure. This policy declares our unwavering commitment to protecting every school in Katsina State,” the Governor stated.
He described the policy launch as more than a document unveiling. It is a clear declaration of government resolve to transform schools into protected spaces.
The Katsina State policy was adapted from the 2021 National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence Free Schools and contextualized to reflect local realities. The State Steering Committee on Safe Schools led the domestication process with support from Save the Children and funding from Education Cannot Wait.
Governor Radda commended the committee’s collaborative efforts and dedication. He also praised the Katsina State Children’s Parliament for advocating for safe schools and contributing to policy development.
“The Children’s Parliament’s consistent voices shaped this policy. You are not just beneficiaries of education. You are critical stakeholders whose perspectives drive better governance,” the Governor said.
Governor Radda assured that the administration is fully committed to protecting schools and investing in safe systems. The government will allocate resources for school infrastructure, security measures, child protection systems, and teacher capacity building.
“Safety in schools will not be treated as an afterthought. It is a core element of our education and security agenda,” the Governor stressed.
The Governor called on the Federal Government, particularly the Federal Ministry of Education and security agencies, to support Katsina through policy alignment, technical assistance, and sustainable funding.
He also appealed to communities to take ownership of their schools. School safety is a shared responsibility that government cannot achieve alone.
“When communities take ownership of their schools, we build a stronger and more resilient education system,” Governor Radda said.
The Governor expressed deep appreciation to Save the Children and Education Cannot Wait for supporting the policy domestication process and demonstrating genuine commitment to child protection and quality education.
In his remarks, Hon Yusuf Suleiman Jibia, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, emphasized that quality education cannot thrive where schools are unsafe or violence disrupts learning.
“Every child deserves the right to learn in dignity, peace, and protection. This policy provides a comprehensive roadmap for prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and accountability,” the Commissioner stated.
He praised Governor Radda’s visionary leadership and commitment to child protection. He also acknowledged the Federal Government’s strong leadership in implementing the Safe Schools Declaration.
Earlier, the SCI Deputy Country Representative, Jane Mbagi, said that the organization has been working in Katsina for nearly 15 years, focusing on maternal, newborn and child health, nutrition, child participation and system strengthening.
According to her, in 2025, SCI supported the enrolment of over 122,000 children in formal and non-formal education, including 235 children with special needs, while also strengthening community and health systems for polio vaccination, achieving coverage of nine in every 10 children.
Mbagi further commended budgetary allocation for Katsina State Children’s Parliament in 2025 which provided support for the domestication of the National Policy on Safety, Security and ViolenceFree Schools (NPSSVFS).
“These requests were approved through the Deputy Governor and today we witness both the launch of the policy and the release of funds through the Department of GirlChild Education and Child Development,” Mbagi stressed.
Saudat Akilu, speaking on behalf of the Children’s Parliament, highlighted the importance of safety in schools and the direct impact of insecurity on children’s education in Katsina.
Recalling a troubling period when schools were forced to shut down due to insecurity, she noted that children carried fear instead of books, while parents and teachers lived in constant uncertainty.
According to her, these harsh realities compelled children to raise their voices and demand action, expressing delight that these demands had been met, announcing that their activities would commence immediately.
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