The federal government has revealed that it plans to introduce non-smartphone access for students in security-sensitive states because schools in some parts of the country are vulnerable to terrorist attacks.
This was revealed in a Federal Ministry of Education document entitled “Safety in our Schools – New Telephone Policy” made available exclusively to our correspondent in Abuja.
Keep in mind that at least 615 schools in some troubled states have remained closed due to terrorist attacks in different parts of the country.
According to information gathered from Within Nigeria, many northern states have been attacked by terrorists, killing many people, including children, and kidnapping several others.
The states hardest hit are Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina and Niger, while the states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, Plateau and Taraba have not been spared from the attackers.
The document says in part: “The government is considering allowing students in vulnerable schools access to non-smartphones to provide a real web of communication between students, teachers, parents, security officials and other relevant stakeholders.”
“We believe this will sufficiently deter criminals as they can be easily hunted down, sometimes even before they strike.
“We have also established a comprehensive emergency preparedness and response mechanism to deal with emerging security threats in our schools.”
The Ministry highlighted some safety tips as follows: “A school disaster management must be established under the responsibility of the Deputy Principal (Admin); Principals should conduct regular security checks around their schools; Schools should work with security authorities in their localities; and vigilante groups should be strengthened and encouraged.”
Reform Education Nigeria Program Director Ayodamola Oluwatoyin said: “This is a commendable development; Our schools must be protected at all costs.
“Recently, UNESCO data showed that Nigeria now has over 20 million children out of school; This means that uncertainty is taking its toll and affecting the number of students in our schools.
“The adoption of non-smartphones will go a long way and this will help alert teachers and security agencies to be on the alert. We call on the federal government to ensure that this is implemented quickly.”
