The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has called for increased security education, collective responsibility and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to prevent violent attacks on schools across the country.
The call was made during the 7th edition of the NSCDC Lagos Public Relations Clinic held on Wednesday in Lagos, according to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Oluwaseun Abolurin.
The quarterly forum, organised by the Command’s Public Relations Unit, brought together security experts, education stakeholders, academics, journalists, civil society organisations and students to discuss the theme: “Security and Safety of Schools in Lagos: The Roles of Government, NSCDC and Stakeholders.”
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Lagos State Commandant, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, Deputy Commandant of Corps (DCC) Jimoh Sulaiman reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting schools, pupils, teachers, educational infrastructure and host communities.
He stressed that security education remains critical to safeguarding schools against kidnapping, violent extremism, abduction and other forms of attacks.
“Security education in schools is a vital tool for protecting educational institutions against violent extremism, kidnapping, abduction and other security threats,” Jimoh said.
He urged government agencies, school authorities, parents, communities and other stakeholders to embrace collective responsibility, vigilance and professionalism in tackling insecurity in schools.
“All stakeholders must embrace collective responsibility, vigilance and professionalism to put an end to the violent attacks and tragic experiences witnessed by schoolchildren in parts of the country,” he added.
A Professor of Criminology at the University of Lagos, Prof. Waziri Adisa, advocated a whole-of-society approach to school security, describing safety in schools as fundamental to national development.
“Security in schools guarantees learning continuity, builds public confidence, promotes social stability and supports national development,” Adisa said.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Safety Signatures Ltd. and Gulf Flower Schools, Dr Cynthia Gregg, called for improved security measures to ensure a safer learning environment for children across Lagos State.
She commended the proactive efforts of the NSCDC Lagos Command in protecting schools but urged stronger inter-agency collaboration, continuous training and enhanced capacity building for security personnel.
The Lagos State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Akintoye Hassan, called for a renewed approach to school security and praised the NSCDC for initiating the public relations clinic.
He also advocated stronger collaboration among security agencies, education stakeholders and communities to prevent attacks on schools, educational facilities and surrounding communities.
The event featured technical presentations and panel discussions involving representatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), Halogen Security Ltd., the Lagos State School-Based Management Committee, SEED Foundation, Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA) Lagos, and Miss Kolurejo Best, a Basic Six pupil of Anuoluwa Primary School.
Veteran journalist Mr Mripo Kehinde moderated the discussions and presented the closing summary.
According to the NSCDC, the Lagos Public Relations Clinic, inaugurated in June 2024, serves as a platform for educating security personnel, partner agencies and members of the public on the Corps’ mandate, crisis communication, emerging security challenges, operational procedures and relevant laws.
