The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has expressed willingness to collaborate with local and international partners to enhance the successful implementation of the Safe Schools programme in Nigeria.

The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, stated this during a working visit of the Head of Advocacy and Campaigns Impact, Accountability and Learning, Save the Children, Ankara Turkey, Mr Vahit Kutluer, to the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre (NSSRCC), at the NSCDC National Headquarters, Abuja.

Represented by the Commander of the Centre, CSC Tersoo Shaapera, the CG said he was delighted with the contributions of Save the Children International (SCI) for its role in sponsoring efforts aimed at protecting children globally.

“With the establishment of the centre, schools have been securitised, thus placing high premium on the protection of students, teachers, workers and communities”, the CG said.

He announced the determination of the Corps to synergise with other security agencies and critical stakeholders in ensuring maximum success of the programme.

The CG explained that, prior to the implementation of the Safe Schools programme, a national vulnerability survey was carried out by the NSCDC on schools in the country, which provided background for implementation and official launch of the centre on July 13, 2023.

The Head of Advocacy and Campaigns Impact, Accountability and Learning from Save the Children Ankara Turkey, Vahit Kutluer, explained that the visit to the NSSRCC was to provide him the opportunity to ascertain areas of possible collaboration with the centre.

He expressed delight with the information gathered at centre and assured that Save the Children International (SCI) could support the centre in areas of need, having understudied the implementation of Safe Schools Declaration in Nigeria.

Similarly, Mr Believe Eke, an education specialist, Safe School (UNICEF), who was part of the delegation, remarked that he was pleased with his experience at the centre, noting that UNICEF would also collaborate with the centre to harmonise its work with the Ministry of Education.

Among the delegation is Mr. Badar Musa of Save the Children International, Nigeria office, a leading global independent organization working for the rights and welfare of children for over 10 decades.