Katsina to domesticate national safe schools policy

The Katsina State Government is intensifying efforts to create safer learning environments through the domestication of the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, with a target to conclude validation before the end of the month.

The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Nasir Ahmed, disclosed this on Saturday when a committee reviewing the policy paid a courtesy visit to the ministry’s commissioner, Yusuf Suleiman-Jibia, in Katsina.

The review process is being supported by Save the Children International under the Education Cannot Wait First Emergency Response Project, with a focus on promoting violence-free educational spaces across the state.

Ahmed briefed the commissioner on milestones achieved so far, noting that significant portions of the policy have been aligned with local realities following extensive consultations across the state, including focus group discussions and key informant interviews with critical stakeholders.

He said contributions from the engagements have enriched the draft policy, ensuring that emerging safety concerns, implementation challenges and community perspectives are adequately captured.

“As part of next steps, the committee is expected to finalise the draft by incorporating stakeholders’ inputs, conduct validation, and submit the document for approval,” Ahmed said, adding that plans are underway for statewide dissemination alongside sustained engagement to ensure ownership and long-term sustainability.

Responding, Commissioner Suleiman-Jibia commended the committee for its diligence and described the exercise as vital to protecting students and enhancing education quality in the state.

He urged the committee to conclude validation of the revised policy before the end of the month to enable timely approval and implementation.

He said the visit reinforced collaboration between the ministry and the committee while setting a clear timeline for the validation stage, adding that the development reflects the shared resolve of the state government and its partners to guarantee safe, inclusive and violence-free schools for all learners.