Safe School Initiative

Creating secure, inclusive, and violence-free learning environments that protect students, teachers, and educational facilities across Nigeria.

About the Program

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.

Program Highlights
  • Aligned with the Safe Schools Declaration
  • Covering all 36 states + FCT
  • 5 core intervention areas
  • Supports WAEC/NECO outcomes
  • Community-centred approach

Program Objectives

1

To strengthen safety and security infrastructure in senior secondary schools

2

To build resilience and emergency preparedness among school communities

3

To prevent and respond to all forms of violence, abuse, and natural or man-made disasters

4

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 FME and security agencies for compliance monitoring

Partnerships

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