Investment in education will boost economic growth in Nigeria – Halima insists

By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi

The National Coordinator on Finance Safe Schools, Federal Minister of Finance, Abuja, Halima Iliya on Thursday said that investment in a critical component of human capital of education would result in a huge impact on the economic growth and the welfare of Nigerians. 

Halima said this during a stakeholders forum on the security of schools in Bauchi State and training of the schools protection squad, with the theme: Strengthen Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities In The Protection of Education, held at Hazibal Suites and event centre, along Yelwa, Tafawa-Balewa Road. 

She said that the topic is one of the objectives of the National plan on financing safe schools. Taking into cognizance the significant gap in physical security, in schools and host communities.

According to her “In the pursuit of providing every child in Nigeria with a safe and nurturing educational environment, we recognize the dedication and commitment of the Inspector General of Police Mr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun in establishing a special squad dedicated for safe schools to enhance safety and security in schools and host communities and ensuring that collaboration is key in fostering secure learning spaces for our children and the future of our nation”

In his part, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun said that the safe school initiative is a pragmatic approach of collective policing style that protects the children’s right to learn.

The IGP Egbetokun said “This education security policy provide a details framework of proactive and prompt response mechanisms to counter any emerging security threat and guarantee the safety and security of our schools, students, teachers, non academic-staffs and the host communities to ensure smooth implementation of teaching and learning in schools”

According to the IGP, “We can not overemphasize the importance of our schools to the overall development of our dear nation. Our schools are not only spaces of knowledge, also nurturing of our schools determines the security of our future. In other words, our future is now. Therefore, the schools must be adequately protected against all possible threat”

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The Inspector General of Police who was represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, zone 12 Headquarters, Bauchi, AIG Abubukar Sadiq Aliyu. Said gathering of people at the event, is a clear reminder of the responsibility that rests on our shoulders to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for children. 

“It is by working together that we can achieve a safer, more secure and conducive learning environment for our children. This program is a significant stride towards all inclusive approaches to safe schools and learning environments. It is therefore imperative that our educational authorities and community leaders work hand in glove with the Police and other Security Agencies to ensure that our schools are fortified against any potential threat.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun urged them to show their expertise, experiences and perspectives to develop innovative solutions and actionable plans that will enhance the security and resilience of schools in Bauchi State.

The Bauchi State Police Commissioner, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu said that the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the Federal Government, State Governments, and various stakeholders, has developed the “Safe School Program.

He said that the aim of the initiative is  to create a secure learning environment that allows children to pursue their education free from the specter of violence or fear.

CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu said that the Federal Government has demonstrated its dedication to the initiative through the provision of funding and resources to support the program’s implementation. Thanked Bauchi State Government for their collaboration and support.