BAUCHI STATE GOVERNMENT AND STATE. ASSEMBLY URGED TO ENSURE TIMELY PASSAGE AND SIGNING OF THE PROPOSED BAUCHI STATE SCHOOLS’ SAFETY, SECURITY, AND VIOLENCE-FREE BILL.

The Bauchi State Government and the State House of Assembly have been urged to ensure passage and signing of proposed Bauchi State Schools’ Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Bill 2024.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja, Proessor. Ahmed Salisu Garba made the call during a Public Hearing on the Bauchi State Schools’ Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Bill 2024, held at the American Space, Bauchi State Library.
In a keynote address in support of the Bill, Professor Garba recalled the abduction of over 300 boys from Government Science Secondary School in Kankara, Katsina State, in December 2020 ,the, 110 girls who were abducted from Government Girls’ Science and Technical College in Dapchi, Yobe State, in 2018., and the abduction of 276 girls from Government Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State.
Professor. Garba emphasized, that there have been alarming series of attacks on schools across the country, particularly in the northern regions, pointing out that Bandits and insurgents have targeted educational institutions not only for ransom but also as a means to destabilize communities and disrupt the education of the youths.
He added, that in the face of such threats, the safety and security of schools have become paramount., therefore children’s education cannot be allowed to be held hostage by violence.
According to him, the Bauchi State Schools’ Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Bill 2024 is a necessary and timely response to these challenges.
On the urgency of school safety, Professor. Garba emphasisef, that the safety and security of our schools have never been more critical, hence the need for timely response, offering a comprehensive framework that addresses these threats head-on.”
Speaking on the establishment of the Bauchi State Safety and Security Agency, the VC stressed, that One of the most commendable aspects of this Bill is the establishment of the Bauchi State Safety and Security Agency which is tasked with the vital role of coordinating all efforts related to school safety and security across the state.
He noted that by centralizing these efforts, the Agency will ensure that policies are consistent, resources effectively utilized, and responses are timely and well-coordinated.
Professor Garba therefore called for collective efforts aimed at ensuring that every school in Bauchi State becomes a place where students can learn without fear, where teachers can teach without worry, and where education can fulfill its true purpose as a cornerstone of peace and progress.”