From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of schools, teachers, and students in the face of rising security threats.
The Corps has called for stronger collaboration among educational institutions, security agencies, and community leaders to tackle challenges such as kidnapping, cultism, and drug abuse in schools.
To reinforce this commitment, the Ilorin West Division of NSCDC organized a one-day Security Summit on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, focusing on school safety and emergency response strategies.
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The summit brought together security experts, traditional leaders, and education stakeholders to discuss proactive measures for securing learning environments.
Speaking at the event, the Divisional Officer of Ilorin West, CSC Muhammed Hamzat, stressed the urgent need to strengthen grassroots security structures. “Schools remain a prime target for criminal activities. This program is designed to enhance our collective preparedness and ensure the safety of students, teachers, and host communities,” he said.
The Kwara State Commandant of NSCDC, Dr. Umar Muhammed, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to implementing the Federal Government’s Safe School Initiative.
He emphasised the importance of community involvement in intelligence gathering and early warning systems. “The security of our children and their learning environment is a shared responsibility. Government agencies, schools, parents, and local communities must work together to keep our schools safe,” he stated.
Traditional and academic leaders at the event echoed the need for collaborative security efforts. The Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Dr. Uthman Atolagbe, and Dr. Adekola Abdulazeez, of Al-Hikmah University, urged school administrators to adopt stricter surveillance measures and implement global best practices under the Safe Schools Declaration.
The NSCDC, through its National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre (NSSRCC), continues to champion efforts aimed at securing educational institutions nationwide. With increased vigilance and community participation, stakeholders believe schools in Kwara and beyond can become safer for students and teachers.
