CP tasks Bauchi govt on Safe School Intiative
Mr Sylvester Alabi, the Commissioner of Police in Bauchi, has urged the state government to adopt proactive measures to fast track successful implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD) commitment.
Alabi made the call at the 2021 International Day of the Girl Child policy dialogue, on Monday in Bauchi.
The event was organised by the Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board (BASUBEB) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Alabi, represented by Rose Chollom, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of Finance and Administration, said the the SSD commitment would protect girls in schools.
The CP also urged government at all levels to create mobile schools especially in somd northern states bedivelled by security challenges.
“One way to ensure that girls are safe in schools is for the states to sign the SSD commitment.
“It is a political commitment by countries to do more to protect students and teachers during state of insecurity.
“We should make schools physically secured by building fences which improve the safety of girls in schools, erecting observation points where experienced and well trained private securities could man.
“Government should also create mobile schools in Borno and other northern states that are bedeviled by terrorism and banditry,”
According to him, closer working collaboration between the state governments and security agencies will enhance security network in schools.
He avised schools to set up police outposts with armed guards and patrol vehicles.
This, he said, could be achieved through increase funding to the education sector to ensure protection of girls during armed conflict and address barriers to access quality education.
“More female teachers should be trained and employed to ensure retention and transition of adolescent girls in school.
“Female counselors should be engaged to render appropriate counseling services to adolescent girls in school, especially during the period of insecurity to encourage them not to drop out.
“Government should embark on massive sensitiation to educate parents on the need to shun traditions and cultures that discourage girl child education as well as encourage gender equality,” he said.
Also speaking, Gov. Bala Mohammed, described girl child education as important, adding that “when you educate a girl, you educate a nation, and empowering a female child is equal to empowering the family.”
Mohammed, represented by Mr Ibrahim Kashim, Secretary to the State Government, said that the government had adopted practical measures to enhance girl child education in the state.
