A major highlight of the commemoration in Katsina State was the submission of the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools (NPSSVFS) to the state government for domestication. This marks a significant step toward institutionalising safety and protection in the education sector.
The NPSSVFS is a comprehensive national framework designed to ensure that all students and educators in Nigeria can learn and teach in environments free from violence, threats, and insecurity. Its domestication at the state level is critical for translating national commitments into local action.
During the state summit, which brought together government officials, development partners, community leaders, and security agencies, Hajiya Zainab Musa-Musawa, Katsina State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, delivered a keynote address. She acknowledged the severe impact of insecurity on education in the region and reaffirmed the government’s commitment, under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, to creating safe and inclusive learning spaces.
She also commended the efforts of Save the Children, GoalPrime Organisation Nigeria, and ECW, whose interventions include:
- Establishing community-based child protection committees
- Providing psychosocial support services
- Rehabilitating disability-friendly classrooms and gender-segregated toilets
Key outcomes from the summit in Katsina included:
- Submission and formal acceptance of the NPSSVFS for domestication by the state government
- Public endorsement of the policy by traditional leaders
- Announcement of rural teacher allowances to improve education delivery in underserved areas
These developments signal a strong political will to prioritise the safety and well-being of learners and educators across the state.
In both Katsina and Zamfara, the event amplified advocacy efforts to ensure that schools remain safe spaces for learning, growth, and protection.
Because every child deserves to learn in safety and dignity.
