UNICEF has issued a warning about the lack of implementation of the safe school program in Kaduna and Sokoto states, which are at risk of abduction. Over the past decade, more than 1,680 children have been abducted and approximately 180 killed in attacks on Nigerian schools by non-state actors, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund.
In a statement marking the 10-year anniversary of the mass abduction of schoolgirls at Government Girls Secondary School Chibok in Borno State, UNICEF’s Communication Specialist, Susan Akila, called for action to secure children’s education in Nigeria. Despite efforts to improve school safety, attacks continue in at least 70 schools in 10 vulnerable states due to inadequate early warning systems to identify threats of abduction by non-state actors.
The threat of abduction is severely impacting children’s education, with over one million children afraid to return to school in 2021 and around 11,500 schools closed in 2020 due to attacks. UNICEF emphasized the need for intensified efforts to protect Nigeria’s most vulnerable population – its children. A new UNICEF report revealed that only 37% of schools across 10 states have early warning systems in place to identify threats of school attacks.
UNICEF called for decisive action to ensure school safety, including addressing critical gaps in safe school infrastructure, preparedness for natural disasters and conflicts, and comprehensive approaches to violence against children. The agency is working with the government to support the implementation of safe school standards in various states through the provision of resources, training, and awareness-raising initiatives.
As the world marks the anniversary of the Chibok girls’ abduction, UNICEF emphasized the need for strong political will and proper implementation of safe school standards to ensure that schools are safe havens for learning and growth. Together, efforts can be made to restore trust between educational institutions and the communities they serve, making schools sanctuaries for all children in Nigeria.
