The Federal Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and supported by UNICEF, has launched three handbooks designed to improve school safety and promote climate awareness across schools in Nigeria.
The unveiling took place during a one-day Dissemination Workshop on Climate Change Education (CCE), Early Warning Signs (EWS), and UBEC’s Teachers’ Guide on Managing School-Related Violence held on Monday in Abuja.
UNICEF’s Chief of Education in Nigeria, Ms Vanessa Lee, stated that the handbooks would assist schools in tackling climate change challenges, implementing early warning systems, and preventing violence.
Lee, represented by UNICEF Education Specialist, Mrs Nneka Ogbansiegbe, described the handbooks as strategic tools for teachers, education officials, and policymakers.
She identified the publications as Climate Change Education—Handbook for Schools, Early Warning for Schools—A Guide to Protecting Schools and Learning Centres in Nigeria, and Managing Violence in Schools—Handbook for Schools and Learning Centres.
“These handbooks provide essential steps for recognising threats, responding to climate risks, and promoting safe learning environments,” she said.
Lee noted that the initiative stemmed from the 2021 launch of the National Policy for Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools, and the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools. She added that UNICEF developed a monitoring tool in 2023, which was deployed to 6,000 schools nationwide.
“Findings showed that only 20 per cent met at least 70 per cent of the safety standards,” she said.
“In 2024, the assessment covered 16,023 schools in 18 states, including Sokoto, Borno, Lagos, Oyo, and Kaduna. Only one in four schools met the minimum safety threshold,” she added.
She said more than half of the schools scored below average in disaster preparedness, violence prevention, and school commuting safety.
“To bridge these gaps, UNICEF supported five states to conduct hazard assessments and worked with the government to develop the handbooks launched today,” she said.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Enitan Abel, described the materials as a major step in reinforcing Nigeria’s education system.
Abel, represented by the Director of Education Support Services, Hajiya Larai Ahmed, said the resources had been approved by the Minister of Education for nationwide use.
He said the handbooks would help ensure that schools remained safe and secure environments for both pupils and teachers, and applauded contributors for laying the foundation for safer and more inclusive schools.
Deputy Director of Teacher Development at UBEC, Mrs Patience Omoniyi, stressed that every child deserved a safe and supportive learning space.
Represented by Assistant Chief Education Officer, Mrs Blessing Uzoamaka, Omoniyi urged swift action to address school-based violence and environmental threats undermining learning outcomes.
(NAN)
