Abductions: FG Begins Medical, Psychosocial Support For Affected Learners, Teachers
By Alice Etuka, Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Education says it has begun providing Medical and Mental health services with Psychosocial support including counseling to learners and teachers in schools affected by the recent wave of abductions.
Spokesperson to the Ministry, Folasade Boriowo disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
Boriowo informed that the Ministry had intensified coordinated interventions to facilitate safe schooling and ensure learning continuity in states where schools have reopened following temporary closures caused by security-related challenges.
This, she noted was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa. He said the Ministry was supporting state governments and affected communities through a comprehensive action plan aimed at stabilising learning environments, restoring public confidence in the education system, and ensuring that no learner was left behind.
“Key components of the plan include the development of improved and updated learner-support flyers with step-by-step guidance, QR code links, and enhanced deployment of digital learning portals that include Learning passport, FME Inpire and Ignite online learning portals which are all NERDC curriculum-aligned with also support from our Development partners including both UNICEF, UNESCO and UNDP.
“A digital learner guidance pamphlet has also been produced to support learners and teachers in accessing and navigating approved learning platforms”, the statement said.
Boriowo said upcoming activities will focus on enhanced coordination and planning. These include strategic engagements with our Subnational Governments through the State Commissioners of Education, SUBEB Chairmen and principals of Unity Colleges.
Furthermore, the Federal Government also acknowledged the vital role of United Nations partners UNICEF, UNESCO, and UNDP in supporting Nigeria’s school safety and learning continuity efforts in the impacted States. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, commended the UN agencies for their support.
“Medical and Mental health services with Psychosocial support including counseling are being provided to learners and teachers in affected schools to ensure smooth transition to healthy environment.
The FGN has also strengthened our early-warning frameworks to safeguard learners and educators, thereby reinforcing nationwide school safety.
“The Federal Ministry of Education is also conducting advocacy and sensitisation visits, activating and supporting State Technical Working Groups, and fast-tracking targeted interventions for priority states”, it said.
“These coordinated actions reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that education continues safely and uninterrupted, even in the face of security challenges, while upholding the principle that schools must remain protected spaces for learning, resilience, and national development”, the statement concluded.
