…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media. The Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, has revealed that the Federal Government has earmarked N15 billion in the 2023 budget for ensuring the safety of school children.
This allocation aims to address the escalating wave of violent attacks and kidnappings targeting school children across the country.
Ensuring Safety Amidst Insecurity Concerns
During a training session for safe school administrators in Abuja, the minister emphasized the government’s commitment to preventing an increase in the number of out-of-school children due to security challenges.
Mrs. Ahmed, represented by Hajia Halima, confirmed that her ministry has authorized the release of the allocated funds for their intended purpose.
Implementation of National Safe School Plan
The minister also highlighted the national plan launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Education in December of the previous year for the protection of schools nationwide.
The training of safe school administrators aims to facilitate the localization and effective implementation of this plan in different regions.
Mrs. Ahmed further mentioned that relevant agencies have been instructed to upload the funds into the Government Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMIS) platform to expedite the release of funding.
Addressing Challenges Faced by Internally Displaced Children
Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), also addressed the gathering.
He highlighted the concerning fact that approximately 75% of children, as estimated by the UNDP, in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps lack access to education.
Fearful parents refraining from sending their children to school has contributed to the alarming rate of out-of-school children across the country.
NSCDC’s Role and the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre
Recognizing the NSCDC’s crucial role in safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure, including schools and educational institutions, the National Safe School Plan designates the corps as the lead agency for implementation.
Dr. Audi emphasized the importance of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre (NSSRCC), which collaborates with various security agencies and stakeholders to coordinate safety and security responses for schools and host communities.
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