By Obiageli Nwankwo
The Anambra State Government has strengthened community-based security and vigilance around schools as part of efforts to protect pupils, teachers and educational infrastructure from attacks. The Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Education, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, disclosed this as the world marks the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, on Sept. 9.
Dr. Agbaizu said the state was aligning its efforts with the federal government’s safe schools initiative while leveraging local intelligence and grassroots security structures to safeguard educational institutions. She said the government, through its Public-Private-Community Partnership framework, was working with town unions, vigilante groups and neighbourhood security teams to monitor areas around schools and respond to potential threats.
According to her, community members were also being encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities around schools to the appropriate security authorities. The Permanent Secretary said the state had taken decisive measures following incidents of vandalism at educational facilities, including the Uga smart school, where a joint security arrangement involving local vigilantes and school authorities was established.
She further disclosed that security personnel recently arrested suspected vandals at the Community Education Resource Centre in Okpuno and transferred them to the police headquarters at the CPC, Amawbia, for prosecution. Dr. Agbaizu warned unauthorised scrap-metal operators and other persons against targeting educational facilities under the guise of legitimate business, stressing that such activities would not be tolerated.
She assured parents, guardians, teachers and other stakeholders that the Ministry of Education would continue to strengthen measures aimed at ensuring safe, secure and conducive learning environments for children across Anambra State.
Obiageli Nwankwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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