A recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) sheds light on the alarming surge in attacks and abductions targeting Nigerian schoolchildren, a trend exacerbated by the infamous kidnapping of 260 girls from Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, a decade ago.
The report underscores a concerning lack of preparedness, revealing that only 37 per cent of schools across ten states have early warning systems to detect threats.
Presented under the title “Minimum Standards for Safe Schools (MSSS) Monitoring Report” at the United Nations House in Abuja, UNICEF Nigeria’s Chief of Education, Saadhna Panday-Soobrayan, emphasized that ensuring a secure learning environment for every Nigerian child remains an ongoing challenge.
Over the past decade, conflict-related violence has resulted in over 1,680 abductions, 180 deaths, and numerous attacks on schools, leaving a devastating impact on children’s education.
Shockingly, 90 of the Chibok abductees remain in captivity, and the nation is reeling from a recent abduction in Kaduna State.
UNICEF’s recommendations stress the urgent need for enhanced protection measures for children.
Speaking at the event commemorating the Chibok abductions’ 10th anniversary, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Cristian Munduate, highlighted the imperative to address both the symptoms and root causes of the crisis, reaffirming education as a fundamental right crucial for breaking the cycle of poverty.
The report’s analysis exposes disparities in implementing safe school standards across states, with Borno State leading with 70 per cent compliance, while Kaduna and Sokoto lag significantly behind at 25 per cent and 26 per cent, respectively.
Furthermore, the report reveals concerning deficiencies in school infrastructure and preparedness for natural hazards, severely impacting children’s safety and learning.
The escalating violence has left over a million children fearful of returning to school, with thousands of schools closed due to attacks.
UNICEF’s report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for concerted efforts at all levels to protect Nigeria’s most vulnerable population and ensure every child’s right to education in a safe environment.