Kaduna government plans to merge schools over security challenges

The Kaduna state government, under the leadership of Governor Malam Uba Sani, has launched an initiative to merge 359 primary and secondary schools into safer locations across the state.

The governor revealed this groundbreaking plan during a capacity-building event organized by the Nigerian Police Force Schools Protection Squad in Kaduna on Wednesday.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Sani Kila, Governor Uba Sani emphasised the importance of safeguarding the education of children in conflict-prone and terrorist-infested regions by relocating schools to secure environments.

“We have commenced the merging of 359 schools with those in safe locations to ensure that the education of our children is not interrupted by security challenges,” stated Governor Uba Sani.

In addition to the school merger initiative, the state government is implementing a comprehensive SAFE SCHOOL PROGRAMME aimed at bolstering security in primary and secondary institutions.

This programme includes measures such as school fencing, establishment of Security and Safety Response Committees comprising school and community members, construction of muster points within schools, training on early warning signs identification, and installation of watchtowers.

Governor Uba Sani highlighted the government’s commitment to the Safe School Program, underscoring the allocation of adequate budgetary provisions to ensure its effective implementation.

The collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force in training a dedicated Schools Protection Squad (SPS) was emphasized by the governor as a critical step towards enhancing security within educational facilities.

Commenting on the initiative, the Commissioner of Police for Kaduna State, CP Audu Dabigi, emphasised the significance of the Schools Protection Squad in safeguarding educational institutions, which he described as the foundation of society.

“As we embark on this journey, let us remember the importance of collaboration and unity in achieving our goals,” remarked CP Audu Dabigi. “Together, with the support of our community stakeholders, we can overcome any challenge and create a safer, more secure environment for our students, teachers, and staff.”