Education Minister Charges Principals To Protect Schools, Children From Attacks

The Federal Ministry of Education has charged principals of Federal Unity Colleges across the country to protect their schools and students from any form of attack or banditry.

The Ministers of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman and Dr. Tanko Sununu gave the charge while receiving briefings from the principals of the country’s 112 Unity Colleges in continuation of their meetings with departments and chief executives under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja.

According to a statement by the Director of press and public relations of the ministry, BenBem Goong, the ministers described Unity Colleges as National treasures that must be protected at all costs.

The ministers urged the principals to be vigilant over security issues, noting that early security warnings must not be taken for granted.

They also commended the principals for their patriotism and commitment to the service of the nation, emphasizing the need for them to be watchful and take extra measures to protect their respective schools.

The ministers further directed the principals to liaise with traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, and all security agencies to create the necessary synergy that will guarantee the security of all federal unity schools in the country.

Responding to the minister’s directives, the Chairperson of the Association of Principals of Nigerian Unity Colleges and the Principal of the Federal Science and Technical College ILESA, Dr. Mrs. Idowu Akinbamijo assured that her colleagues will do everything humanly possible to ensure that the children under their care are fully protected, adding that as parents, the security of their children is of utmost priority.

Dr. Idowu appealed to the ministers to prioritize the construction of housing accommodation in rural Unity Colleges as an incentive to attract and retain teachers in rural schools.

She further requested for the provision for posting entitlements of teachers before their postings are effected in order to reduce the pains associated with relocation of teachers and their families.