The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has called for increased security education, collective responsibility, and vigilance among stakeholders as critical measures for preventing violent attacks on schools and ensuring a safer learning environment across the state.

The call was made during the 7th edition of the NSCDC Lagos Public Relations Clinic, a quarterly stakeholder engagement forum designed to strengthen public awareness, enhance crisis communication, and foster collaboration on issues affecting security and public safety. The event brought together security experts, academics, education stakeholders, civil society groups, and students to discuss strategies for safeguarding schools and educational assets.

Among the keynote speakers were the Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Adedotun Keshinro; Professor Waziri Adisa of the Department of Sociology, University of Lagos; Dr. Cynthia Gregg, Managing Director of Safety Signatures Limited and Gulf Flower Schools; Comrade Akintoye Hassan, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Lagos State; Dr. Adebowale Adeagbo, Director of the Centre of Excellence, Halogen Group; and veteran journalist Mr. Dipo Kehinde.

Representatives from several organizations and agencies, including the Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Federal Fire Service, School-Based Management Committees, Halogen Security Limited, SEED Foundation, Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), and school pupils, also participated in the event.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the State Commandant, Deputy Commandant of Corps (DCC) Jimoh Sulaiman reaffirmed the commitment of the NSCDC to protecting schools, students, teachers, educational infrastructure, and host communities.

Speaking on the theme, “Security and Safety of Schools in Lagos: The Roles of Government, NSCDC and Stakeholders,” Sulaiman stressed the importance of integrating security education into school systems to help prevent threats such as kidnapping, abduction, violent extremism, and other forms of attacks on educational institutions.

He urged government agencies, school administrators, parents, community leaders, and security organizations to embrace a shared responsibility for school safety through vigilance, cooperation, and proactive engagement.

According to him, effective collaboration among stakeholders remains essential to preventing the tragic incidents that have affected schools in different parts of the country in recent years.

Professor Waziri Adisa, one of the guest lecturers, advocated a whole-of-society approach to addressing security challenges in schools, emphasizing that the protection of educational institutions should not be left solely to security agencies.

He noted that a secure learning environment promotes uninterrupted education, strengthens public confidence in the school system, contributes to social stability, and supports national development.

Dr. Cynthia Gregg highlighted the need for continuous efforts to create safer school environments capable of supporting educational growth and the overall well-being of children.

She commended the Lagos State Command of the NSCDC for its proactive initiatives in promoting school security and protecting educational facilities across the state.

However, she stressed the need for stronger inter-agency cooperation, regular training programmes, and enhanced capacity-building initiatives to improve operational effectiveness and preparedness.

The Lead Discussant, Comrade Akintoye Hassan, called for a renewed and more comprehensive approach to school safety, describing the protection of children and educational infrastructure as a collective responsibility.

He praised the NSCDC Lagos Command for introducing innovative programmes aimed at improving public engagement and strengthening security awareness among stakeholders.

Hassan further urged all relevant institutions and community groups to work together to eliminate threats against schools, students, teachers, and surrounding communities.

The programme also featured a technical panel session involving Dr. Cynthia Gregg; SRC Elizabeth Jayeola, Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos Sector Command; SC Ada Agada of the NSCDC Special Female Squad; and Miss Kolurejo Best, a Basic Six pupil of Anuoluwapo Primary School.

The discussions focused on practical strategies for improving school safety, strengthening community participation, and enhancing emergency preparedness within educational institutions.

The event concluded with a summary delivered by moderator and veteran journalist Mr. Dipo Kehinde, who highlighted key recommendations from the panel discussions and stakeholder contributions.

Since its launch in June 2024, the NSCDC Lagos Public Relations Clinic has served as a platform for educating security personnel, public institutions, and citizens on emerging security issues, professional standards, operational procedures, policy implementation, and the broader mandate of the Corps in promoting public safety and national security.