Nigeria school safety needs holistic approach beyond policing, stakeholders say

Stakeholders in Nigeria's education sector are urging a move beyond policing to secure schools, calling for a holistic strategy involving governments, teachers, parents, communities, and technology providers. The call came during the 4th Michael Alogba Olukoya Annual Lecture and Award Series in Lagos.

Hassan Akintoye Mujeeb, Lagos State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, highlighted the event's theme, “School Safety: Stakeholders’ Strategies and Inputs,” stressing that learning cannot flourish amid fear and insecurity. He envisioned schools as havens for knowledge and development, free from violence, bullying, drug abuse, and other risks. "A safe school is one where every child feels protected," Mujeeb stated, adding that teachers must be able to work without intimidation and parents should confidently entrust their children to schools.

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A safe school is one where every child feels protected. A safe school is one where teachers can discharge their duties without intimidation or fear. A safe school is one where parents confidently release their children every morning, knowing they will return home safely.

Governments were urged to prioritize school safety through better infrastructure, fencing, security systems, and policies. Teachers are called to be vigilant in spotting early warning signs of distress among students, while parents must reinforce moral upbringing and maintain open communication with schools. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, represented by Deputy CP Anthony Okonkwo, acknowledged that school safety is a shared responsibility, requiring an integrated security architecture to address emerging threats.

Okonkwo detailed the Nigeria Police Force’s Safe School Model, which includes specialized protection squads, intelligence gathering, risk assessment, and community policing. He also recommended adopting international best practices like the Safe Schools Declaration and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. Suggestions for enhanced surveillance include installing cameras, digital attendance systems, panic buttons, and conducting regular emergency drills, all supported by stronger collaboration between schools and security agencies.

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school safety should no longer be viewed as the sole responsibility of security agencies, stressing that emerging threats require an integrated security architecture involving all stakeholders.