The National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) is committed to ensuring that all senior secondary schools in Nigeria provide a safe, inclusive, and conducive environment for teaching and learning. Through the Safe School Program, NSSEC aligns with the objectives of the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools and the Safe Schools Declaration, to protect students, teachers, and educational facilities from threats and hazards.
Objectives
- To strengthen safety and security infrastructure in senior secondary schools
- To build resilience and emergency preparedness among school communities
- To prevent and respond to all forms of violence, abuse, and natural or man-made disasters
- To promote psychosocial support and mental health awareness for students and teachers
Key Components
- Security Infrastructure
- Installation of perimeter fencing, CCTV, and controlled access systems
- Collaboration with local security agencies for rapid response
- Emergency Preparedness
- Development and dissemination of School Safety Plans
- Training on First Aid, Fire Drills, and Emergency Evacuation Procedures
- Simulation exercises with community participation
- Violence Prevention & Protection
- Anti-bullying and anti-sexual harassment policies
- Awareness campaigns on students’ rights and protection
- Reporting systems for abuse and misconduct
- Mental Health & Psychosocial Support
- Counseling services and referral systems
- Peer support programs
- Integration of emotional well-being in the curriculum
- Safe School Training Programs
- Capacity building for school leadership, teachers, and safety committees
- Integration of safe school principles in teacher training curricula
- Partnering with the Federal Ministry of Education and security agencies for compliance monitoring
Partnerships & Collaboration
NSSEC works closely with:
- The Federal Ministry of Education
- State Education Ministries
- Security Agencies
- Donor Agencies and NGOs
- The Safe Schools Initiative (SSI)
Expected Outcomes
- Reduced incidents of violence and insecurity in schools
- Increased student enrollment and retention, especially for girls
- Strengthened school-community trust
- Enhanced emergency response and disaster risk reduction capacity