Katsina Launches Violence-free School Policy

Katsina State government has launched its Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools Policy, in a major move aimed at protecting students, teachers and learning environments across the state.

At the launch, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the initiative as a “major milestone” in efforts to safeguard education and secure the future of children.

He stressed that while education remains central to development and peace, it can only thrive in safe and secure environments.

The governor highlighted growing threats facing schools, including insecurity, gender-based violence, bullying, gang activities, substance abuse, and environmental hazards, noting that Katsina has experienced similar challenges that have disrupted learning and endangered lives.

“This is not just the unveiling of a policy document, but a clear declaration of our commitment to ensuring that every school in Katsina becomes a safe haven for learning,” he said.

The policy, adapted from the 2021 national framework on safe schools, has been tailored to reflect local realities.

It focuses on prevention and preparedness, improved early warning systems, emergency response and recovery mechanisms, as well as psychosocial support for affected learners and teachers.

Governor Radda explained that the framework integrates school safety into planning, budgeting, and implementation processes across all levels, while clearly outlining the roles of stakeholders including government agencies, schools, security institutions, parents, and community leaders.

He commended the State Steering Committee on Safe Schools for driving the domestication process, with support from Save the Children and funding from Education Cannot Wait and the Government of Japan (JAPAN GOV)

He also praised the Katsina State Children’s Parliament for its advocacy, describing young people as critical stakeholders in governance. Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, the governor pledged sustained investment in safe school infrastructure, child protection systems, and community-based security mechanisms.

He also called on the Federal Ministry of Education and other federal agencies to support states through funding, policy alignment, and technical assistance.

Urging parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society organisations to take ownership of school safety, emphasizing that protecting schools is a shared responsibility.

Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Country Director of Save the Children, Jane Mbagi Mutua, commended the Katsina State Government for what she described as a decisive and strategic move to protect education in a fragile context.

Mutua noted that Save the Children has operated in Nigeria for over 25 years and in Katsina State for nearly 15 years, focusing on child survival, learning, and protection.

She revealed that more than 122,000 children were enrolled in formal and non-formal education programmes supported by the organisation in the past year, including 235 children with special needs.

She added that the organisation has also supported immunisation campaigns, achieving coverage for nine out of ten children, as well as emergency responses to malnutrition through cash transfer initiatives.

According to her, the policy represents a long-term investment in human capital, social stability, and economic development, stressing that education cannot thrive without safety.

Mutua further disclosed that the policy’s launch followed advocacy by the Katsina State Children’s Parliament in 2025, which pushed for funding support and the domestication of the national safe schools framework, efforts that have now resulted in both policy adoption and implementation funding.

“This is not symbolic. It demonstrates political will, fiscal backing, and genuine commitment to meaningful child participation,” she said.

While welcoming the development, she emphasized that the success of the policy would depend on effective implementation, sustained financing, and accountability.

“Policies alone do not protect children implementation does,” Mutua stated, urging stakeholders to translate the framework into costed, time-bound action plans and strengthen monitoring and coordination mechanisms.

She also called for innovative financing and stronger partnerships, including public-private collaboration, to sustain safe education initiatives.

Mutua reaffirmed Save the Children’s commitment to supporting the Katsina State Government in implementing the policy to ensure that every school becomes a safe space for learning, particularly for girls and children with special needs.

The launching of the policy is part of the fulfilled promises the state government made in addition to the release of N33 million allocated for the children parliament’s activities.

The event concluded with a renewed call for collective action to build inclusive, secure, and resilient learning environments across Katsina State.