Matilda Omonaiye/
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has called for a new culture of security consciousness in schools, warning that protecting children from kidnapping, violent extremism and other attacks must become a collective responsibility.
The call was the central message at the 7th edition of the NSCDC Lagos Public Relations Clinic, held on Wednesday, where security experts, educators, journalists and representatives of government agencies examined practical measures for making schools safer.
Speaking on the theme, “Security and Safety of Schools in Lagos: The Roles of Government, NSCDC and Stakeholders,” the Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, stressed the importance of security education, vigilance and coordinated action in preventing attacks on educational institutions.
Keshinro, whose keynote address was delivered by his representative, DCC Jimoh Sulaiman, said school security could no longer be treated solely as the responsibility of security agencies. He urged school administrators, teachers, parents, pupils, host communities and relevant government agencies to embrace collective responsibility and professionalism in confronting threats to schools.
According to him, the NSCDC remains committed to safeguarding schools, pupils, teachers, educational infrastructure and surrounding communities against kidnapping, abduction, violent extremism and other security threats.
The event brought together leading voices in security, education and communication, including Professor of Criminology at the University of Lagos, Waziri Adisa; Chief Executive Officer of Safety Signatures Ltd. and Gulf Flower Schools, Dr Cynthia Gregg; Lagos State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Akintoye Hassan; veteran journalist Dipo Kehinde; and Director, Centre of Excellence, Halogen Group, Dr Adebowale Adeagbo, and representatives of Reynolds Institute of Criminology.
Prof. Adisa, one of the guest lecturers, advocated a whole-of-society approach to school security, arguing that safe learning environments were fundamental to educational continuity and national development.
He said effective school security builds public confidence, promotes social stability and ensures that children can pursue their education without fear.
Dr. Gregg, in her presentation, called for stronger measures to create secure learning environments across Lagos, stressing the need for improved inter-agency collaboration, continuous training and capacity building.
While commending the proactive efforts of the NSCDC Lagos Command, she said evolving security threats required stakeholders to continually review and strengthen existing safety measures.
Hassan, who served as Lead Discussant, similarly called for a renewed approach to protecting schools, children and educational assets.
He praised the NSCDC for providing a platform that brings critical stakeholders together and urged security agencies, education authorities, teachers, parents and communities to deepen collaboration.
The clinic also featured a technical panel session involving 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 session was moderated by veteran journalist Dipo Kehinde, who also delivered a comprehensive summary of the discussions and interventions.
Other participants and interventionists were drawn from the Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, Lagos State School-Based Management Committee, Halogen Security Ltd., SEED Foundation and the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All.
The NSCDC Lagos Public Relations Clinic was inaugurated in June 2024 as a platform for public engagement, professional development and crisis communication.
The initiative has since focused on strengthening the capacity of NSCDC personnel, sister security agencies and members of the public on emerging societal challenges, operational procedures, policy directives and relevant laws.
The latest edition reinforced a central message: keeping schools safe requires more than gates and guards, it demands security education, early warning, vigilance and coordinated action from everyone connected to the school environment.
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