The Katsina State Government has intensified efforts to create safer learning environments by advancing the domestication of the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools.

The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Nasir Ahmed, disclosed this on Saturday in Katsina during a meeting between members of the policy review committee and the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Suleiman-Jibia.

The review process, supported by Save the Children International under the Education Cannot Wait First Emergency Response Project, is focused on adapting the national framework to reflect the specific needs and realities of schools across the state.

During the visit, the committee briefed the commissioner on progress made so far, highlighting key milestones in aligning the policy with local conditions. Ahmed noted that the committee had conducted extensive consultations, including focus group discussions and key informant interviews with stakeholders across the state.

He said inputs gathered from these engagements had significantly enriched the draft, ensuring that emerging safety concerns, implementation challenges, and community perspectives are adequately addressed.

Ahmed added that the next phase would involve finalising the draft policy by incorporating stakeholders’ contributions, followed by a validation exercise before submission for government approval.

 

He also disclosed plans for statewide dissemination and implementation of the policy, alongside sustained stakeholder engagement to ensure ownership and long-term sustainability.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education commended the committee for its diligence and progress, describing the exercise as critical to safeguarding students and improving the quality of education in the state.

Suleiman-Jibia reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the process and urged the committee to conclude the validation stage before the end of the month to enable timely approval and rollout.

He noted that the engagement further strengthened collaboration between the ministry and the review committee, while also establishing a clear timeline for completing the policy review.

The development underscores the commitment of the Katsina State Government and its partners to ensuring safe, inclusive, and violence-free schools for all learners across the state.