Nasarawa Government, in collaboration with Education As A Vaccine (EVA), Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), launched a policy to protect the girl-child against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in school.
The Commissioner for Education, Mr John Mamman, said during the launch of the policy in Lafia on Tuesday that EVA’S contributions toward the policy was a major boost to school environment and safety of children, especially the girl-child.
Represented by the ministry’s Director, Administration and Supplies, the commissioner , Mr Tsaku Angbashim, said that Gov. Abdullahi Sule’s-led administration always welcome contributions toward educational advancement.
He added that “education is not a one-man business and the government alone cannot do it all. There is need to collaborate with partners interested in the development of the state and the country.”
The commissioner said that government had been working with partners to improve the standard of education and make schools safe for staff and students.
While unveing the policy document, Mamman promised to ensure adherence by all schools in the state.
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He said violators of the policy who infringed on the rights of students as a result of gender would be dealt with according to the law.
Earlier, the Leader of the implementing partner, Grace Gara, said the policy is aimed at having a safe school environment for students.
She explained that EVA would complement government’s efforts to ensure that the girl-child enjoys safe school environment where she can learn, grow and reach full potential.
“We know that gender based violence has affected the education of many girls, especially their retention in school.
“The policy has developed a procedure within the school system to be followed in addressing cases of suspected and actual gender based violence.
“It also strengthened coordination among relevant institutions on the prevention and response to school related gender based violence,” she added.
In his goodwill message, Nasarawa State Secretary of Parent’s Teacher’s Association (PTA), Hamza Laminu-Maina, expressed gratitude to the state government and the NGO for launching a policy document to protect children in schools.
Jessica Kumator, a student of Government Secondary School Bikansidi Lafia, said the policy would bring big relief to female students in the state.
She thanked the state government and partners for coming up with the document and appealed for its full implementation.
NAN
