By Dalhatu Liman
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding schools across Nigeria, as stakeholders gathered in Abuja to commemorate the 2025 International Day to Protect Education from Attack.
The event, held yesterday in Abuja, was themed “Challenging Narratives and Reshaping Actions”, and brought together government officials, development partners, and civil society actors.
In his opening remarks, Director of School Safety at the Federal Ministry of Education, Hussaini Aliyu Abdullahi, said the theme reflects a shift from reactive responses to proactive strategies.
“We are moving away from reactive measures and embracing proactive, practical steps to make our schools safer.
“Protecting education requires fresh thinking and real action,” he said.
He noted that the commemoration aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu administration, which places education at the heart of national development.
“Mr. President has consistently emphasized that every Nigerian child, irrespective of background, deserves a safe, secure, and enabling environment to learn and thrive,” Abdullahi added.
The event featured cultural displays by students, school safety sensitization programmes, and visits to institutions such as the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre (NSSRCC), the NSCDC, and the Schools Protection Squad of the Nigeria Police Force.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of FCDO-PLANE, Amy Oyekunle praised the resilience of Nigerian learners and educators. “Education is not a privilege but a right — the key to freedom, opportunity, and national progress. Protecting education is protecting the future of Nigeria,” she said.
She highlighted PLANE’s work in Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa, supporting the development of the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools. “School safety is a critical contributor to positive student, teacher, and school-level outcomes,” she said.
The Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) is a nine-year education programme funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), aimed at supporting inclusive, resilient, and effective education systems across Nigeria.
In her address, UNICEF Chief of Education, Vanessa Lee, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in creating safe and inclusive learning environments.
Speaking directly to the children present, she said, “We are here for you! So, it is good the children are in the room.” She emphasized that a safe school is one where learners feel welcomed, supported, and known by name. “They have a bright, colorful classroom with smiley and friendly teachers who can help them if they are in trouble or troubled,” she noted.
Lee expressed appreciation for the presence of key ministries and security agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Education, NSCDC, SBMC, and the Police School Protection Squad, acknowledging their roles in shaping policies and securing resources for school safety.
