The National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, operating under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has issued a stern warning to schools nationwide about the necessity of adhering to safety guidelines. Commander Hammed Abodunrin emphasized the importance of the Safe School policy during a conversation with our correspondent on Wednesday, stressing that deliberate non-compliance could result in significant sanctions.

“The policy, while currently voluntary, is strongly advocated by the government to ensure the security and prevent violence in educational institutions across the country,” Abodunrin stated. He clarified that although the policy is not yet enforceable by law, the government expects schools to voluntarily comply with the safety guidelines.

“Everyone desires security, and we do not foresee widespread refusal to comply. However, should there be capacity gaps making compliance difficult, assistance will be provided to those schools,” Abodunrin explained. He further revealed the government’s efforts to institutionalize school safety and security within higher education, with plans to introduce specialized programs on school safety, potentially up to the doctoral level.

“Higher institutions will be encouraged to run special programs in school safety, recognizing it as a critical field of study,” he said. Abodunrin compared the emerging importance of school safety to fields like disaster management and peace and conflict studies, which have recently been established as distinct academic disciplines.

“The specific need to address school safety and security underscores its potential to be integrated either as a subject within the security studies curriculum or as an independent field,” he noted.

Despite its current voluntary status, the NSCDC is taking a proactive stance on ensuring compliance. “Where failures are noted to be deliberate, the Safe School teams will report to the authorities for appropriate actions, which may include sanctions,” Abodunrin warned.

The move aims to create a safer environment for students and educators, encouraging schools to prioritize safety and security measures to prevent incidents of violence and ensure a conducive learning atmosphere.