Stop Reacting, Start Protecting: Nigeria’s Fight to Keep Children Safe in Schools

The Education Writers Association of Nigeria (EWAN) held its seventh annual summit in Ikeja, Lagos, bringing together journalists, security officials, government representatives, teachers and school principals to address school safety. Participants discussed threats ranging from the Chibok and Dapchi kidnappings to violence and conflicts that have emptied classrooms in several parts of the country. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, chair of the National Universities Commission’s governing board, urged journalists to verify that security measures are implemented, funds are properly spent and recommendations lead to change. Lagos Police Commissioner Fatai Tijani delivered the keynote on behalf of Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, as the summit called for a shift from reactive responses to sustainable protection.