The Commissioner of Police while addressing guest at the launching of the safe school initiative with the special adviser to the Governor on security matters in attendance highlighted the importance of securing our place of learning making it safe and conducive, the CP stressed the importance of education as the cornerstone of our society, and our schools serve as citadel of knowledge, growth and development for our future generations. It is therefore the responsibility of all to ensure that these institutions remain safe havens for teaching, learning, and nurturing young minds.
He also touched on the security challenges facing our educational institutions that has become more complex and demanding, with some unfortunate incidents in some States of the Federation where peace and harmony have been disrupted in some schools due to the extremist tendencies of some misguided persons.
He also said these incidents not only threaten the safety of our students but also impede the progress and growth of our society. The time has come to take decisive and deliberate action to address these challenges.
The launch of the safe school initiative aims to address this issues by forging a deliberate synergy with other security agencies, the CP said in his address, the Ogun State police command is dedicating it efforts in fortifying schools against any potential threats through combined intelligence, enhanced surveillance, and proactive measures, the state command seek to create an environment where students can focus on studies without fear or disruption.
The CP also called for closer partnership, one that transcends bureaucratic boundaries and ensures the safety of educational institutions in the state.
He also made reference to the kidnappings of our innocent children in Northern part of Nigeria with the prompt response of the inspector general of police in spearheading the safe school initiative across all Police Commands to nurture, not only the mental wellbeing of our dear pupils from primary, secondary schools, but to take stiffer measures in safeguarding their day to day safety during learning hours, and to further protect their environments as an all encompassing procedure to propagate the safer school initiatives.
He also stated our children are leaders of tomorrow, and the foundations of today, undeniably they deserve a right to live, free from banditry attacks, kidnapping, anxiety, fear or panic.
He also highlighted the gains of the safe school initiative in crime detection and crime fighting will be better approached in an inclusive manner.
The CP also outline few security measures that will be implemented to enhance the security of our schools and create a safe learning environment.
(1) Develop a school safety and security policy;-
Establish a comprehensive policy that outlines the roles and responsibilities of staff members, students, and parents in maintaining a secure school environment. The policy should address emergency preparedness, access control, visitor management and communication protocols.
(2) Conduct Regular Security Assessments:- Engage the services of security experts to conduct regular assessments of your schools vulnerabilities. These assessment will help identify areas in need of improvement and allow for the implementation of proactive security measures.
(3) Strengthen Access Control Measures: Ensure that access to the school premises is strictly controlled and regulated. This includes implementing security perimeter fencing, installing CCTV Cameras at strategic locations, and designating specific entry and exit points. Develop a system for visitor registration and require proper identification for all non-students visitors entering the premises.
(4) Encourage Safety Awareness Programs: Promote safety awareness and vigilance among students, teachers and staff, to report any strange conduct or behaviour observed from among themselves to the school authority for prompt response. Conduct regular drills for emergency situations such as fires, earthquakes, invasion and lockdowns. Provide training to staff on recognizing and reporting suspicious behavior or potential threat.
(5) Foster Community Partnership: Build strong relationship with local law enforcement agencies, such as Police, Civil Defence, NDLEA, Amotekun, OPC, Community leaders and neighbouring Schools. Regularly communicate with local Police i.e DPO nearest to you, share information about security concerns or incidents. Collaboration and exchanging best practices can significantly enhance overall security.
(6) Activate Schools Safety Committees: Establish a school safety committee consisting of teachers, students, parents and other relevant stakeholders. Regularly meet to discuss and review security issues, review incidents, and propose ways to address identified security gaps. Encourage the committee to maintain open lines of communication with the Police and other security agencies.
(7) Monthly meeting via online/on sight with all interested parties
(8) Compulsory parameter fencing.
(9) Mandatory illumination.
(10) Giving constant sitreps of suspicious movements.
In closing the CP said security of schools is a collective responsibility and the need to work together in creating an environment that nurtures the intellectual and personal growth of students while ensuring their safety. He urge all present to take these security measures seriously and implement them diligently. As this will foster an environment where students can thrive without fear and focus wholeheartedly on their education.
