The Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB) has entered into a formal partnership with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to enhance security in public primary schools across the state.
The Executive Chairman of NSUBEB, Kassim Kassim, announced the collaboration during a courtesy visit by the NSCDC State Commandant, Mohammed Kabir, at the Board’s headquarters in Lafia.
Kassim said the agreement will see officers of the NSCDC’s Safe School Programme Unit deployed to protect pupils and school infrastructure against kidnapping, burglary, and vandalism.
“Right now, we have mobilised contractors to various schools across the state to renovate structures, build new ones, and provide furniture. We spend huge amounts of money and will not allow criminals to vandalise these properties,” he stated.
He also appealed to the NSCDC to go beyond surveillance and intensify efforts to apprehend individuals who purchase vandalised school property.
“If buyers of these items are properly monitored and arrested, those vandalising school properties won’t have anywhere to sell, and the crime will reduce drastically,” Dr Kassim added.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration to sustaining high standards in education, including the regular training and re-training of teachers to improve their efficiency.
In response, NSCDC State Commandant Mohammed Kabir congratulated the Chairman on his appointment and expressed readiness to partner fully with NSUBEB.
“We monitor schools through our Safe School Programme, operating in all states with a control unit based at our headquarters in Abuja. If Nasarawa State is willing to key into this initiative, we are ready to collaborate,” Kabir said.
The partnership aims to create a safer learning environment for pupils and teachers and safeguard public investments in basic education infrastructure.
PIAK