Reps Recommend Security Education In School Curriculum To Combat Security Challenges

The House of Representatives on Thursday at Plenary recommended that the Federal Ministry of Education incorporate security education as a core subject in the Primary and Secondary Schools Curriculum.

The House mandated the Committee on Basic Education and Services to ensure implementation.

These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Need to Incorporate Security Education as Core Subject in Nigeria’s Primary and Secondary School Curriculum” moved by Hon. Omirin Emmanuel (PDP- Osun State).

In a lead debate, the lawmakers noted that Security Education is crucial for fostering knowledge and preparedness, enabling Individuals to understand potential threats and take appropriate measures to protect themselves and their assets.

“Security education prepares students for contemporary challenges in security, ranging from economic, political, social, and environmental threats;

“Security Education equips students with the necessary skills to direct the various contemporary security challenges, including economic, political, social, and environmental threats;

“Also aware of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report that since 2018, over 30 Schools have been attacked, resulting in at least 2,295 teacher deaths and over 1,000 child abductions,” he said.

The House worried that the recurrent attacks and threats against Nigerian educational institutions, teachers, and pupils are hurting educational quality, teacher turnover, and perpetuating a culture of impunity.

Also aware that due to the escalating insecurity in the country, it has become imperative for children to learn defence mechanisms, and master first aid principles and emergency handling skills.

The House said it was cognizant that in an increasingly volatile society like Nigeria, investing in security education is essential to safeguard students, knowledge, skills and awareness in security education empowers them to take preventive action.