Borno State government bolsters Safe School Initiative amid rising security threats

The Borno State government has expressed deep concern regarding a recent surge in the abduction of school children, urging stakeholders to implement effective early warning mechanisms to safeguard learning facilities.

 

Lawan Wakilbe, the Borno State Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology and Innovations, addressed journalists in Maiduguri during a state-organised education summit. Supported by the Malala Fund, the event was convened to review the state’s Safe School Initiative, alongside broader efforts to promote inclusive, gender-responsive education.

 

Mr Wakilbe lamented that despite the government’s sustained efforts to rebuild the education sector, terrorists continue to target schools. He questioned the motives of armed gangs responsible for holding children captive.

 

“Naturally, every responsible government will be worried. The Borno government is worried. It is a deep concern. We will continue to pray for divine intervention for the release of these children,” he said.

 

Strengthening safety and community collaboration

Mr Wakilbe noted that the state government previously presumed that attacks on schools had ceased, particularly following the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls incident, which drew international condemnation.

 

However, recent abductions at schools in Mussa and Lassa have underscored the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols. He assured the public that the government will continue to collaborate with security agencies and development partners to reinforce school safety, support educational inclusivity, and promote gender responsiveness.

Grema Terab, the Chairman of the Borno State Education Trust Fund, appealed to parents and guardians to remain resilient. He urged them to continue sending their children to school, asserting that the government is actively establishing safety measures around facilities across the state.

Sustaining dialogue for a resilient education sector

Sadiq Abubakar Mu’azu, the Executive Director of the Centre for Advocacy, Transparency and Accountability Initiative (CATAI), stated that stakeholders must explore ways to strengthen safe and inclusive education to rebuild the sector.

He noted that the summit serves as a platform for dialogue, which strengthens partnerships and reinforces the collective responsibility to ensure that every child—especially those affected by conflict—has access to safe, quality learning opportunities.

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Benjamin John, the Executive Director of CASFOD, highlighted that the current discussions focus on addressing the out-of-school children crisis, improving educational access, and strengthening collaboration among key stakeholders.