Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has expressed concern over the educational crisis in the state, attributing it to the prevailing insecurity situation.
Addressing participants at a capacity training program organized by the Nigeria Police Force Schools Protection Squad in Kaduna, Sani noted a decline in school enrollment due to security challenges. He highlighted instances where insecurity has led to school consolidation in certain local government areas, resulting in an increase in the number of out-of-school children.
The recent abduction of 135 students from LEA Primary and Junior Secondary School, Kuriga, Chikun LGA, exemplifies the dire consequences of insecurity on access to education and safety, according to the governor.
Sani emphasized the vital role of safety and security in facilitating human capital development and societal progress. He underscored the state’s efforts to combat banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping, which have disrupted socio-economic activities and posed threats to educational initiatives.
The governor lamented a significant drop in primary school enrollment, with over 200,000 fewer pupils recorded in the 2022/2023 academic session compared to the previous year, largely attributed to insecurity. He highlighted areas like Chikun, Birnin Gwari, Kajuru, Giwa, and Igabi LGAs, where insecurity has necessitated school consolidation, exacerbating the out-of-school children issue.
To ensure uninterrupted education for children in conflict-prone and terrorist-infested areas, Sani announced plans to merge 359 schools with those in safer locations.
He commended the federal government for the N144.8 billion Safe Schools Financing Plan launched in 2022, developed through extensive consultations and engagements with relevant stakeholders in the education and security sectors.
Meanwhile, Halima Iliya, National Coordinator of the Safe Schools Programme, revealed the development of a Medium-Term National Plan on Financing Safe Schools (2023-2026) in collaboration with states, local governments, and critical government agencies, including the military and security forces.