Nigeria Pledges Safer Schools, Stronger Child Protection

By: Julian Osamoto

 

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating safe learning environments for children and strengthening child protection mechanisms to ensure students can learn and thrive without fear of harassment.

 

Speaking at an event in Abuja to commemorate this year’s Universal Children’s Day and launch the State of Nigeria’s Girls Report 2025, in partnership with Save the Children International, Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said Nigerian children are unique and have made remarkable contributions to the nation.

 

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, the Minister emphasised that documentation and monitoring are central to the Ministry’s mandate.

 

“The report captures what has been done so far and where Nigeria stands in protecting and caring for children, including ensuring they are safe in schools,” she said.

 

Addressing concerns over rising out-of-school numbers and the recent abduction of schoolgirls, Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the government is intensifying coordinated response efforts.

 

“We are creating safe spaces where children are not bullied in school and ensuring that even from crèche, they are well taken care of. Several policies, including the national policy on the Nigerian child, are currently being reviewed,” she noted.

 

Ducan Harvey, Country Director of Save the Children International in Nigeria, hailed the partnership with the Ministry and children from across the country.

 

He highlighted the new report, the second edition of the State of Nigeria’s Girls Report, which tracks progress on issues like child marriage.

 

 

“We are celebrating the reduction of child marriage from 44% several years ago to lower levels today. We must continue to invest in our children. Children are the future. Let’s listen to children. Let’s invest in their rights, education, and health, because Nigeria’s future prosperity depends on giving children every opportunity to grow, develop, and lead,” Harvey said.

 

The Speaker of the Nigerian National Children’s Parliament, Progress Umo, underscored the urgency of securing schools.

 

 

“The recent kidnapping of girls is disheartening. It made me feel scared because it could happen to anyone, even me. The government should ensure top-notch security in schools. Every school should be protected, with designated officials or security agencies safeguarding the learning environment. Once classrooms become unsafe, the entire education system is compromised,” she said.

 

Umo further stressed the need for a safe academic environment to allow children to thrive and compete globally.

 

Dean of Women Commissioners, Irom, echoed the call for prioritizing child protection. “Child protection should be at the front burner of national priorities. Are the spaces where children gather safe? Are they protected from gender-based violence, trafficking, and exploitation? No child should be left out,” she said.

 

This year’s National Children’s Parliament sitting, themed “My Day, My Rights”, aims to present the challenges Nigerian children face, including insecurity, lack of access to quality education and healthcare, inequality, and gender-based violence, to the government, advocating for actionable solutions.