Onyedinma Foundation seeks implementation of child safeguarding policy in Abia schools

The Onyedinma Foundation, a non-profit organisation, has urged the Abia State Government to mandate every primary and secondary school in the state to implement comprehensive child safeguarding policy.

The call followed a distressing incident on January 29, 2026, in Aba, where a 3-year-old girl was allegedly defiled, by a school gateman in the school premises, an incident that has highlighted systemic gaps in child safeguarding across both government-owned and privately run schools and underscores the urgent need for robust, preventative measures to protect every child in the school system.

Onwuka Glory, executive director,
Onyedinma Foundation in a letter addressed to the Commissioner for Basic Education and circulated to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and the Commissioners for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, emphasised that safeguarding policies should be mandatory for all schools operating in Abia State.
She said that the proposed policy, would be designed to prevent abuse, ensure timely and appropriate responses to child safeguarding concerns, and create a safe learning environment, where children can thrive without fear.

Key elements outlined, include a clear code of conduct for staff and visitors, rigorous vetting and ongoing background checks for those in positions of trust, mandatory safeguarding training for teachers, administrators, support staff, and school guardians, confidential and accessible reporting mechanisms, designated safeguarding leads with defined roles and escalation pathways.

Also, regular safeguarding audits and risk assessments, child-friendly channels for reporting concerns, engaged parental communication, and strong collaboration with state agencies and child protection services to ensure swift action when concerns arise.

Beyond policy development, Onwuka called for concrete steps to translate policy into real protection, including, annual safeguarding training for all school staff, covering recognition of abuse signs, disclosures, and safeguarding during trips and activities.

She also called for appointment of a dedicated safeguarding officer or lead in every school to implement policy, train staff, and liaise with child protection authorities, as well as establish standardized, age-appropriate, confidential reporting templates accessible to children, parents, and school communities.

“Secure verification processes for all individuals working with children, including drivers, guards, and contract personnel.

“Time-bound reporting and response protocols to ensure prompt investigations and access to medical, psychological, and legal support for children, and minimum safeguarding compliance framework for state accreditation, with periodic audits by relevant ministries.

Onwuka noted that prioritising child safeguarding policy adoption and staff training across all schools will transform the state’s schools into safe havens, where every child’s right to protection, dignity, and quality education is protected.

Onyedinma Foundation is a youth- and women-led Nigerian non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering girls, women, foster care children, and other vulnerable people, especially in rural communities, to promote inclusion and combat all forms of modern slavery.

The foundation envisions a society where no one is exploited with a mission to galvanize support for the protection of vulnerable members of society from all forms of discrimination and exploitation, empowering them with skills for livelihood and participation in the decision-making process.