In its ongoing effort to provide children with a secure and supportive learning environment, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has trained 31 teachers as part of its School Safety Project under the Education and Youth Empowerment Project in Northern Nigeria (EYEPINN).
The initiative, funded by the European Union (EU), is currently being implemented across Kano, Jigawa, and Sokoto states. It aims to broaden access to safe, inclusive, and gender-sensitive educational spaces, addressing key issues such as security threats and gender-based violence in schools.
Speaking during a recent teacher training session in Kano, EYEPINN State Facilitator, Aisha Abdullahi, explained that the four-year project, launched in September 2023, targets 720 public schools—including primary, secondary, as well as integrated and non-integrated Islamic and Quranic schools—in 10 local government areas (LGAs).
She outlined that the project is designed to enhance opportunities for both girls and boys to access quality education in secure environments. In Kano State, the pilot phase is being rolled out across Nassarawa, Kano Municipal, Dala, Gwale, Sumaila, Gezawa, Dawakin-Tofa, Danbatta, Makoda, and Tudun-Wada LGAs, with a goal to impact 480,000 learners and 2,000 teachers in 2,160 communities.
Dr. Ummi Faruq Mohammad, one of the master trainers involved in the project, emphasized the broader objectives of the initiative, which include shielding children from security threats, natural disasters, and gender-based violence. She noted that the trained teachers received both foundational and advanced knowledge on key subjects such as climate change, literacy education, early warning systems, and general safety practices. The teachers are expected to pass this knowledge on to their peers and, ultimately, to their students.
“Our goal is to make schools safe spaces for every child,” said Dr. Mohammad. “The teachers, selected from across 10 LGAs, are being equipped to create and maintain secure environments where learning can thrive. This includes protecting students from sexual harassment, physical harm, and the growing risks posed by climate change.”
Also speaking at the event, UNICEF education expert, Munthaka Mustapha Mohammad, reiterated the EU’s commitment to improving child welfare through education. He described the School Safety Project as one of several key social intervention programs being carried out in partnership with state governments, all aimed at ensuring children in Nigeria have the opportunity to learn and flourish in safe, supportive environments.
