The National Institute of Security Studies (NISS), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, has launched a five-day intensive security training programme for principals of Federal Unity Colleges.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening school security in response to rising threats across the country.
Speaking at the workshop in Abuja on Monday, NISS Commandant Mr Joseph Odama highlighted the growing vulnerability of educational institutions.
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He stressed that gaps in security frameworks and insider threats make this training crucial in equipping school leaders with the knowledge to detect risks and protect students.
“At the end of the programme, we expect that participants will have broader knowledge about security awareness concerning their school environment, institutions, and local challenges.
“This will enable them to understand security challenges within their areas and how to interface with other security agencies,” Odama said.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Nasir Gwarzo, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring the safety of schools.
Represented by the Director of the Safety Unit, Alhaji Abdullahi Hussain, Gwarzo emphasised that no child should have to learn in fear, underscoring the importance of protecting schools.
The National Coordinator of the Financing Safe Schools Initiative, Hajia Halima Iliya, also delivered a goodwill message, noting that the programme was initially launched in 2014 and revitalised under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Iliya shared that the initiative led to the establishment of the National Response Coordination Centre in 2023.
She commended state governors for their support in ensuring the safety of schools, adding that favourable responses were received regarding budgetary allocations for the initiative at the state level.
The training brought together principals, university security heads, and key education stakeholders from across the country.
Participants were trained on adopting modern security protocols, including intelligence sharing and community partnerships, to enhance school safety nationwide. (NAN)
