Katsina has domesticated the National Safe Schools Policy aimed at protecting students and teachers. Governor Dikko Radda, who announced this at the official launch of the policy in Katsina on Tuesday, also reaffirmed the government’s  commitment to safeguarding learning environments across the state.

The governor described the initiative as a strategic step towards addressing growing threats to education, including violence, intimidation and disruption in schools.

Mr Radda said that the policy, adapted from the 2021 national framework, was tailored to reflect the peculiar security realities of Katsina, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.

“The initiative is designed to strengthen prevention and preparedness mechanisms, improve early warning systems and provide psychosocial support for learners and teachers affected by insecurity and emergencies,” he said.

The governor commended members of the state steering committee and development partners, particularly Save the Children International, for their roles in successfully domesticating the policy.

The process is supported by Japan, through the Education Cannot Wait project, being implemented by the SCI.

Mr Radda acknowledged the Children’s Parliament’s advocacy efforts, announcing the release of N33 million to support its activities and amplify children’s voices in governance processes.

The Children’s Parliament, on several occasions, advocated for the domestication of the safe school policy and also budget lines to support their activities.

According to Mr Radda, the policy integrates school safety into planning, budgeting, implementation and accountability structures at the community, local government and state levels.

The governor assured that the state government would continue to prioritise the protection of schools by investing in safe infrastructure and mobilising resources to strengthen security systems across educational institutions.

The SCI deputy country representative, Jane Mbagi, said that the organisation has been working in Katsina for nearly 15 years, focusing on maternal, newborn and child health, nutrition, child participation and system strengthening.

According to her, in 2025, SCI supported the enrolment of over 122,000 children in formal and non-formal education, including 235 children with special needs, while also strengthening community and health systems for polio vaccination, achieving coverage of nine in every 10 children.

She added that the SCI had earlier responded to the malnutrition crisis through multi-purpose cash transfers and is currently supporting efforts to tackle diphtheria in the state.

(NAN)