By Ahmed Ahmed
The Bauchi State Government has pledged to fast-track the full implementation of the Safe and Inclusive Schools Policy (2024) to ensure that all learning environments across the state are secure, inclusive, and violence-free.
State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Lawan Mohammed, made this commitment on Tuesday in Bauchi during advocacy by the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA) to commemorate its 25th anniversary
.Dr. Mohammed reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that education in the state remains safe, inclusive, and of high quality.
He said the domesticated Safe Schools and Violence-Free Schools Policy would be cascaded to all local government areas, supported by school-based task force training, and monitored quarterly with community feedback mechanisms.
The State Coordinator of CSACEFA, Mr. Nicholas Afeso, commended the Commissioner for his reform-driven leadership, citing key achievements such as the timely resumption of schools after Ramadan.
“JAMB CBT training for sponsored students, and the revocation of underperforming food-vendor contracts in boarding schools,” he said
He also lauded the Commissioner’s initiative in launching local production of exercise books and chalks at the Education Resource Centre.In recognition of these efforts,
CSACEFA presented Dr. Mohammed with the Distinguished Education Champion Award for exemplary service and student-centered leadership.
The Executive Director of FACE PAM, Mrs. Dabis Mwalike, urged the government to expedite approval of the Gender in Education Policy, institutionalize a biannual School Performance Review Mechanism, and strengthen the State Education Accounts for transparency and accountability.
She also called for gender-responsive budgeting, equitable teacher deployment, and enhanced collaboration with civil society and community structures.
CSACEFA, a coalition of over 600 civil society organizations established in 2000, continues to champion free, inclusive, and quality education in Nigeria, advocating transparency, gender equity, and community participation in education delivery.
