The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reiterated its commitment to protecting all schools through the Safe School Programme.

The NSCDC commandant general, Ahmed Audi, made the commitment at a stakeholders workshop on validating the corps’ Draft Standard Operating Procedure for the implementation of the programme.

Mr Audi said the validation of the draft would ensure full implementation of the programme nationwide, stressing that the safe school initiative was to end attacks and kidnappings of school children across the country.

“Operatives will continue to provide the needed security to schools to ensure a safe teaching and learning environment,” he stated.

He expressed optimism that the participants will carefully and thoroughly produce an SOP to serve as a blueprint for the programme’s implementation.

The NSCDC boss said the corps had, in 2021, conducted a vulnerability survey of all schools in the country and published the statistics for necessary action.

Mr Audi added that the corps, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, also inaugurated the National Safe School Response Coordination Centre on February 13, 2023.

He said the centre would coordinate the implementation of the safe school programme.

Halima Iliya, the coordinator of the National Safe Schools Programme, commended the NSCDC for its commitment to the safety of schools in the country.

The coordinator said funds for the proper take-off of the centre would be released soon.

Chairman of the SOP drafting committee, Tyoor Terhemba, said the document would guide stakeholders in carrying out major response activities under the programme.

(NAN)