SECTION 1

ABOUT THE POLICY

1.0 Introduction

Schools are important to nation building; the school represents a space where learners are comprehensively educated and developed. This development, however, can be guaranteed only if learning takes place in a safe and secure environment. Therefore, a holistic school safety and security plan is critical to ensure that all learners, staff members and school property (including buildings and equipment) as well as school communities are protected from human-induced and natural hazards.

This comprehensive policy intends to ensure that school safety and security are at the top of the agenda for government at all levels. The policy therefore proposes a zero-tolerance approach to any type of threat to the school environment, including any form of disaster; gang membership and activity; substance abuse or bullying; violence (including gender-based violence); and other hazards in and around schools, including attacks on schools due to conflicts and war. In the event that these threats actually occur, there must be appropriate support for the school users and community.

Findings from the national survey conducted in 2014 show that there is a high prevalence of violence against children in Nigeria. Some of the findings of the survey are highlighted below:

a. Approximately 6 of every 10 children under the age of 18 years have experienced some form of violence; b. About half of the children experience violence before the age of 10; c. Parents and adult relatives are the most common perpetrators of physical violence on children; d. Among adults, male teachers are the most frequent perpetrators of the first incident of physical violence against children; e. Less than half of all victims of physical violence tell someone about it.

The above scenario demands that any policy to address the safety and security of schools must also aim at preventing violence against children. Children are important to the country’s human capital and can be developed to an optimum level by providing a safe and conducive school environment.