As Nigeria marks World Teachers Day, the Federal Government has stepped up efforts to curb bullying, abuse and other threats to children in the country’s schools, moves to strengthen the capacity of teachers to provide safer, more inclusive and support earning environments.
The Federal Ministry of Education is implementing the initiative in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the Government of Japan and other development partners.
The commitment was reaffirmed in Abuja during a three-day Master Trainers Workshop on Safe Learning Environment, Gender-Responsive Pedagogy and ICT Skills for Educators in Teacher Training Institutions.
Representing the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, the Director of the College of Education, Dr Uchenna Uba, said expanding access to education must be matched by adequate measures to protect learners and ensure effective learning.
Uba stressed that children must be able to learn in environments where their safety, dignity and wellbeing are protected.
She highlighted the National Policy on Anti-Bullying in Nigerian Schools, emphasising the need to equip teachers with the skills to identify abuse and respond appropriately to situations that threaten learners.
According to her, teachers occupy a critical position in protecting children because they are often among the first adults to notice signs of bullying, abuse, violence or other difficulties affecting learners.
The workshop is equipping 45 master trainers drawn from 15 teacher training institutions with skills in gender-responsive pedagogy, safe learning environments, prevention and response to school-related gender-based violence, as well as ICT integration.
Master trainers are expected to cascade the knowledge acquired during the programme to approximately 500 teachers and educators, thereby extending the impact of the initiative beyond the immediate participants.
The gender-responsive component of the training is aimed at strengthening teachers’ ability to create learning environments where pupils and students are treated fairly and provided with equal opportunities to participate and succeed.
The training also focuses on school-related gender-based violence, an issue the ministry said requires stronger awareness and appropriate response mechanisms among educators.
Similarly, the inclusion of ICT skills reflects the growing importance of digital technology in teaching and learning and the need for educators to adapt to changing demands in the education sector.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to sustained collaboration with UNESCO, Japan and the African Union in advancing teacher development, safe schools and inclusive education across Nigeria.
The Federal Government has continued to emphasise child protection and safer learning environments as critical components of efforts to improve the quality of education in Nigeria.
While increasing school enrolment and access remains a major education objective, incidents of bullying, abuse, violence and discrimination can undermine learners’ ability to participate effectively in school and achieve their educational potential.
The National Policy on Anti-Bullying in Nigerian Schools provides a framework for addressing bullying and promoting safer school environments.
Effective implementation requires teachers and school administrators to understand how to identify harmful behaviour, support affected learners and respond appropriately.
The latest initiative seeks to strengthen educators’ capacity at that frontline level while also promoting gender-sensitive teaching and the use of technology in education.
The ministry said its collaboration with UNESCO, Japan, the African Union and other partners would continue as part of broader efforts to strengthen teacher development and ensure that Nigerian children have access to education in environments that are safe, inclusive and supportive.
