Katsina State has formally adopted the National Safe Schools Policy in a move aimed at improving the safety of students, teachers, and learning environments across the state.
The policy was unveiled on Tuesday in Katsina by Governor Dikko Radda, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting schools from threats such as violence, intimidation, and disruption.
He explained that the framework, derived from the 2021 national guideline, was adjusted to reflect the specific security challenges facing the state, especially in rural and high-risk communities.
According to him, the initiative is designed to strengthen preventive measures, improve early warning systems, and provide psychosocial support for both learners and education workers affected by insecurity and emergencies.
The governor also commended the state steering committee and development partners, including Save the Children International, for their role in implementing the policy. The programme is being supported through funding linked to the Government of Japan via the Education Cannot Wait initiative.
He further acknowledged the advocacy efforts of the Children’s Parliament, announcing the release of N33 million to support its activities and ensure children’s voices are included in governance decisions.
Reports indicate that the Children’s Parliament had repeatedly called for the policy’s adoption, alongside dedicated budgetary provisions for their engagement.
Radda said the policy would integrate school safety into planning, budgeting, implementation, and accountability systems at all levels of government, while promising continued investment in secure school infrastructure and stronger protection mechanisms.
Earlier, the Deputy Country Representative of Save the Children International, Jane Mbagi, noted that the organisation has worked in Katsina for nearly 15 years, supporting health, nutrition, education, and child protection programmes.
She said that in 2025 alone, more than 122,000 children were enrolled in learning programmes with support from the organisation, including children with special needs, while also assisting vaccination and health outreach efforts across communities.
Representatives of the Children’s Parliament described the adoption of the policy as a major relief, recalling periods when insecurity forced school closures and disrupted learning.
The development is part of a wider national effort by states to implement the Safe Schools framework approved in 2021 to reduce attacks and improve protection for educational institutions, with Katsina emerging as one of the leading adopters.