The National Association of Nigerian Students has commended the Nigeria Police Force for its initiative in establishing response centres dedicated to addressing school-related emergencies across the country.
The Chief Press Secretary to the President of NANS, Micahel Oyewole, in a statement on Thursday, said the effort demonstrated the police’s commitment to safeguarding the lives of students, teachers, and educational infrastructure, aligning with the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Initiative and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The establishment of these emergency centres, coupled with the deployment of the Schools Protection Squad, marks a significant step toward addressing security challenges such as kidnappings and violence targeting schools, which have disrupted education and instilled fear in communities.
“NANS applauds the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to ensuring that schools remain sanctuaries of learning and growth.
“The NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, recognises the collaborative approach adopted by the NPF, which involves partnerships with other security agencies, educational institutions, community leaders, and stakeholders.
“This synergy, as emphasised during the stakeholders’ forum, is crucial for fostering a proactive rather than reactive approach to school safety.
“The integration of modern technologies, such as CCTV cameras and surveillance drones, further underscores the forward-thinking nature of this initiative,” Oyewole said.
He noted that the NANS President called on all Nigerian students to take full advantage of the initiative for their personal and collective security.
“NANS encourages students to collaborate with security agencies, school authorities, and community leaders to strengthen the security framework around educational institutions.
“By embracing this initiative, students can contribute to creating safer learning environments and reducing the incidence of out-of-school children, thereby advancing Nigeria’s human capital development,” he added.
The police have launched specialised squads in several states, including Lagos, Delta, and Bauchi, to enhance school security.
These squads are part of the broader Safe School Initiative and are tasked with preventing, responding to, and addressing security concerns in and around schools.
