On November 4, 2024, the Plateau state safe school program in collaboration with Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), organized a stakeholder sensitization meeting at Crispan Hotel, Jos, to address school safety in Plateau State. This event, part of a broader initiative funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed to promote collaboration between government agencies, security forces, civil society, educators, and community representatives to enhance the safety of schools in the region.
Key Observations:
1. Many schools are vulnerable to attacks due to insufficient perimeter fencing, lack of access roads, and inadequate security personnel and equipment.
2. Budget allocations for safe school initiatives are limited and inconsistently implemented.
3. Numerous schools do not meet minimum safety standards, exposing students to physical, emotional, and psychological violence.
4. Intelligence gathering is inadequate, often failing to provide warnings before incidents occur.
Recommendations:
1. Conduct a comprehensive mapping of vulnerable schools to prioritize security improvements.
2. Develop a database of all schools in conflict-affected areas to support government decision-making.
3. Increase awareness of the Safe School Declaration and encourage early-warning systems for timely response.
4. Establish quarterly stakeholder meetings to monitor and assess the effectiveness of safe school programs.
5. Enhance collaboration through social networks and timely information sharing among stakeholders.
6. Introduce school safety clubs, security tips in curricula, and support for guidance counselors.
7. Finalize and enforce minimum safety standards for all schools in Plateau State.
8. Advocate for policies ensuring children’s school attendance and teach values of peace and unity.
The communiqué concludes with a call for adequate funding and enforcement of the Child Rights Act (2005) to protect children’s rights in educational settings. The participants adopted the communiqué, signaling a collective commitment to advancing school safety in Plateau State.
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