Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa has called on media practitioners to forge innovative media approaches that will drive stronger public engagement, inspire policy action, and reinforce collective responsibility to protect Nigerian schools.
Olumuyiwa made this known in a goodwill message during the High-Level Round Table For Media Executives on Advocacy For Safe and Secure Schools In Lagos and Bauchi States, which was held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos on Friday.
The event was organised by Women Advocates Research & Documentation Centre (WARDC) in partnership with the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF).
The Safe School Declaration (SSD) project is spearheaded by WARDC with partners in Lagos, Bauchi, Abuja, the National Human Rights Commission, West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), SISWACHI, among others.
The permanent Secretary who was represented by Felicia Ogudu of the Federal Ministry of Education, said the media should remain committed to ensuring that no learner in the country is left behind and that every school in Nigeria becomes a safe haven for growth, development, and learning.
The Safe School Declaration (SSD) Project Coordinator for WARDC, Nwokedike Jennifer also called on media practitioners to continue to advocate for the implementation of the SSD Bill.
She noted that without the bill, no one can be held accountable. On the contrary, she noted that actualising the bill will be a commitment.
She urged the media to keep the conversation going even as the project itself wraps up in a few months’ time.
Giving the background to the SSD Bill, she noted that the Bill has been presented at the national level and it has passed the first reading at the National Assembly. “So we are following up and hope that the media will continue to report on SSD so that we can keep following up and ensure that the bill is passed.”
According to her, public awareness of SSD was nearly nonexistent when the project started, but this objective remains central as the project moves toward its conclusion.
The presentation of SSD Bills in Bauchi and Lagos states, as well as at the national level, is a critical milestone. The achievement of these legislative actions — such as Bauchi passing the bill through its state House of Assembly — demonstrates significant progress in the formalisation of SSD, she said.
On his part, Prof. Kehinde Olayode of the Obafemi Awolowo University, ile-Ife emphasised that implementing SSD requires resources beyond what the government can provide alone. “This highlights the importance of engaging community members, philanthropists, and non-state actors like the media to mobilise support and resources.
According to Prof. Olayode, the Safe School initiative is not just about Nigeria but part of a global commitment to safe learning environments.
