The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has applauded the Nigeria Police Force for establishing emergency response centres aimed at tackling school-related security threats across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the NANS President, Michael Oyewole, the association described the initiative as a bold demonstration of the police’s dedication to protecting students, teachers, and educational infrastructure. It noted that the move aligns with the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Initiative and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Oyewole said the creation of the emergency centres, along with the deployment of the Schools Protection Squad, represents a significant stride in curbing threats such as kidnappings and violence that have disrupted learning and instilled fear in school communities.
He praised the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his visionary leadership and strong commitment to making schools safe spaces for academic and personal growth.
The NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, also commended the collaborative strategy employed by the police, which involves coordination with other security agencies, school administrators, community leaders, and stakeholders. This joint approach, he noted, was highlighted during a recent stakeholders’ forum as essential for shifting from a reactive to a preventive model of school security.
“The use of modern technology such as CCTV cameras and surveillance drones clearly shows the progressive thinking behind this initiative,” Oyewole stated.
He added that Oladoja urged students to actively support and benefit from the initiative to enhance both personal and collective safety.
NANS also called on students to cooperate with law enforcement, school authorities, and local leaders to strengthen the safety framework in their institutions.
“By participating in this initiative, students can help foster safer school environments and reduce the number of out-of-school children, thereby contributing to national human capital development,” Oyewole said.
Specialised Schools Protection Squads have already been launched in states like Lagos, Delta, and Bauchi as part of the broader Safe Schools Initiative. These squads are tasked with preventing, responding to, and managing security incidents in and around educational institutions.
