UNICEF Symposium Spurs Action on School Safety in Borno: A Call to Protect Children’s Future
………….Empowering Education: UNICEF Symposium Galvanizes Efforts to Secure Borno’s Schools
By Ibrahim Umar
Kanempress News
17th April 2024
UNICEF, along with various organizations, recently convened a crucial symposium addressing the safety of children in schools, marking a moment in the wake of the tenth anniversary of the abduction of 276 Chibok schoolgirls by Boko Haram insurgents.
The symposium, held at the prestigious El-Kanemi Hall of the University of Maiduguri, saw key stakeholders come together to tackle the pressing issue of school safety. Abubakar Mua’zu, Executive Director of the Center for Advocacy, Transparency, and Accountability Initiative (CATAI), set the tone with a opening remark, emphasizing the urgency of safeguarding children in educational settings.
Throughout the panel discussions, representatives from security agencies, UNICEF, educational authorities, and various organizations echoed a resounding call for heightened safety awareness in schools. Despite notable improvements in security protocols, there was unanimous agreement on the need for increased investment in school security measures.
Moreover, the symposium highlighted the imperative to bolster the capacity of school management teams and to intensify advocacy efforts for the enhancement of educational standards. From advocating for increased school enrollment to advocating for the involvement of security agencies in policy formulation, the discussions underscored the multi-faceted approach required to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
Importantly, the symposium underscored the collective responsibility shared by all stakeholders in fostering a safe and conducive learning environment. Recommendations ranged from the full implementation of safety protocols to the active involvement of traditional institutions in educational governance.
As the symposium concluded, it left a resonating message: safeguarding the future of our children demands a collaborative and unwavering commitment from all quarters.
