The Katsina State Children’s Parliament has called on the state government to domesticate the National Policy for Violence-Free Schools to ensure safer learning environments for pupils and teachers.
The 34-member parliament made the call during its plenary session on Monday at the Katsina State House of Assembly, presided over by Speaker Fadila Sani.
Presenting a motion on the issue, Halimatu Idris, representing Malumfashi, stressed that adapting the policy at the state level is vital to creating schools free from insecurity, violence, and threats that endanger children’s lives. She noted that without safety in schools, both education and children’s development would remain at risk.
Idris urged the government to prioritise the policy’s domestication and implementation, highlighting the negative effects of violence on learning outcomes and children’s well-being.
Another member, Asiya Rabe from Maiadua, sponsored a motion calling on the state to fast-track the enforcement of child protection, disability, and Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) laws to safeguard vulnerable groups, especially women, children, and persons with disabilities.
Similarly, Asiya Ridwan, representing Dutsi, urged the government to develop anticipatory action plans to address the growing effects of climate change on communities in the state.
After deliberations, the parliament adopted the motions and appealed to the state government to act swiftly. The session was supported by Save the Children International under the Education Cannot Wait project.