By Abbas Bamalli
Stakeholders at a one-day state summit have pledged their commitment to providing support toward protecting schools in Katsina from attacks by criminals.
The summit, held on Tuesday in Katsina, was organised by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to mark the sixth International Day to Protect Education from Attack.
The event, with the theme ‘Challenging Narratives, Reshaping Action’, was organised in collaboration with Save the Children International, GoalPrime Nigeria, with funding support from Education Cannot Wait.
The state’s Commissioner for Education, Hajiya Zainab Musa-Musawa, commended participants for identifying challenges hindering efforts to achieve a safe and secure learning environment across the state.
Represented by the Director of Senior Schools, Hajiya Raliya Yusuf, the Commissioner said measures were underway to ensure schools remain safe, secure and free from violence.
She explained that the government delayed reopening boarding schools to make adequate security arrangements, ensuring pupils’ safety before resumption.
Musa-Musawa stressed that the government is addressing all challenges to guarantee secure learning environments for pupils across the state.
She further revealed that disciplinary action had been taken against underperforming teachers, with some salaries stopped, leading to noticeable improvements in teaching standards.
Dr Tijjani Umar, Director of Social Protection, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, said a social protection policy was signed by Gov. Dikko Radda in December 2023.
He added that the state had also developed an annual operational plan and a five-year strategic plan for the social sector to support educational safety.
A Civil Defence representative, Mr Kabir Masanawa, stressed the need for emergency planning, traditional leadership and community engagement to safeguard pupils effectively.
Representing CSOs, Dr Kabir Kurfi said they remain committed to ensuring school safety and addressing disciplinary issues, with representatives across all 361 wards of the state.
The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Women Affairs, Alh. Mukhtar Abdulmuminu, urged collective commitment to keeping schools safe, describing them as havens of hope and knowledge.
He emphasised that governments, communities, partners, parents and stakeholders must unite to protect schools, support teachers and eliminate barriers limiting access to quality education.
“As we mark this day, let us remember that protecting education means protecting our future. Every child deserves a safe environment to dream, learn and thrive,” he said.
Alh. Hamisu Dalhatu, Chairman of the State School-Based Management Committee, assured that the committee would sustain efforts to protect Katsina’s education system.
Dalhatu, also Sarkin Zangon Katsina, urged authorities to ensure displaced children return to school and engage young people in issues affecting their education.
Highlights of the summit included a presentation by the Katsina Children’s Parliament and a panel discussion on reshaping actions to protect education.
NAN
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