TheCable

Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, says the government has established a safe school coordination center to improve security across educational institutions in the state.

Tersoo Kula, chief press secretary to the governor, said in a statement that Alia spoke during the closing ceremony and launch of the safe schools special response team for north-central Nigeria in Makurdi.

The governor said the state is battling herders-farmers crisis, adding that his administration is committed to addressing security challenges.

He said the government and stakeholders have a role to play in stopping gang violence, extremism, abuse and all kinds of discrimination, to enable conducive learning environment for children.

The governor promised to partner with the federal ministry of education to protect children from insecurity across various schools in the state.

“Education is not a luxury. It is a basic human right that confers lifelong rewards for the child, their family, their community and the country,” he said.

“There has been progress in the worldwide struggle to deliver safe and equitable learning for all.”

He urged stakeholders to prioritise safe schools in order to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs).