Oyo Collaborates with Law Enforcement to Ensure Secure Learning Environment

The Oyo State government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting students through the establishment of a Safe School Committee and collaboration with security agencies to prevent violence in schools, as stated in a Tuesday statement by Commissioner for Information Prince Dotun Oyelade.

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Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology Olusegun Olayiwola made this disclosure on Monday while receiving the Safe School Civil Defence Team in his office, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children's physical and mental well-being within the school environment.

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Olayiwola stressed that schools should remain safe spaces for learning, free from all forms of violence, and also expressed concern over the declining level of parental involvement in children's upbringing, citing the lack of monitoring of academic activities and discipline.

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He noted that many parents fail to monitor their wards' academic activities, attendance, or performance, often leaving the responsibilities of discipline and moral guidance solely to teachers who interact with the students for only a limited number of hours each day.

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The Team Leader of the Safe School Civil Defence Corps, Ogunyinka Micheal Rotimi, stated that the visit aimed to strengthen the existing collaboration between the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the State Ministry of Education.

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Ogunyinka explained that the Safe School Team has been actively organising security awareness programmes for students, as well as teaching and non-teaching staff, to reduce threats and violence within schools, thereby promoting a safer learning environment.

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However, Ogunyinka called for increased government support and collaboration to enhance the effectiveness of the Safe School Team, with a specific appeal for assistance in domesticating the National Safety Response Center in Oyo State.

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According to Ogunyinka, the National Safety Response Center initiative would enable a coordinated and rapid response to security threats through the collaboration of multiple security agencies, ultimately ensuring a more secure school environment.

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The initiative would also involve the establishment of dedicated emergency response lines, alongside regular engagements with school principals and key education stakeholders, especially in high-risk areas, to prevent and respond to security threats.