The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Nigerian government to bolster children’s education by implementing early warning systems in schools across 10 states to identify threats like school attacks
The appeal follows a report revealing that over the past decade, more than 1,680 school children have been abducted in Nigeria.
Cristian Munduate, UNICEF’s representative in Nigeria, emphasized the urgency of safeguarding children’s education, stating, “The kidnapping of the Chibok girls was a wake-up call to the severe risks our children face in their pursuit of education. Reflecting on this tragedy and other recent abductions, it is evident that our efforts to safeguard our children’s futures must be amplified.”
Munduate stressed the importance of addressing both the symptoms and root causes of the crisis, highlighting education as a fundamental right and a vital pathway out of poverty.
Expressing concern over escalating violence affecting schools, Munduate cited alarming statistics, including over 1,680 children abducted, 180 children killed, and numerous attacks on schools over the past decade.
The report indicated significant disparities in the implementation of safe school standards across different states. While Borno State demonstrated a strong commitment to child safety, others like Kaduna and Sokoto lagged significantly.
“To ensure that schools are safe havens, strong political will and proper implementation of safe school standards are essential. Together, we can restore trust between educational institutions and the communities they serve, ensuring schools are sanctuaries for learning and growth,” Munduate concluded.
Recall that in response to the recent abduction of students in Kaduna State, Munduate issued a highlighting the alarming frequency of such incidents nationwide.
UNICEF reiterated its commitment to collaborating with government entities, local communities, and various partners to address the underlying issues leading to violence against children and to safeguard educational environments from threats and violence.
The agency also noted the urgent need to counter the significant deterioration in community safety, focusing on protecting children disproportionately affected by the prevailing insecurity in the country.
