Peace Corps Seeks Partnership with Taraba Government to Strengthen School Security, Safeguard Free Education Policy

By Aga Samuel Imoter
Jalingo

The Peace Corps of Nigeria, Taraba State Command, has proposed a strategic partnership with the Taraba State Government to enhance security in schools as part of efforts to safeguard the state’s free education programme and ensure a safer learning environment for students and teachers.

The proposal was presented during a courtesy visit by the State Command of the Peace Corps, led by the State Commandant, Mr. Manti Daniel, to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of Taraba State (SGS) in Jalingo.

Speaking during the meeting, Daniel lauded Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas for restoring relative peace across Taraba State and for introducing the free education policy, which he described as one of the administration’s most impactful reforms.

According to him, the policy has significantly eased the financial burden on parents, increased school enrolment, expanded access to quality education, and stimulated socio-economic activities across the state.

He, however, stressed that sustaining the gains of the programme requires a robust security framework capable of protecting schools from emerging threats.

Daniel proposed that the Taraba State Government incorporate trained Peace Corps personnel into its school security architecture alongside existing agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Taraba Marshals.

He said such collaboration would strengthen surveillance, improve emergency response, protect educational facilities, and reinforce public confidence in the state’s education system.

Responding, the Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, Chief GeeTee Kataps Ngwii, welcomed the proposal and commended the Peace Corps for its commitment to national development and community service.

Ngwii said the government would carefully examine the legal and policy framework necessary for such a partnership, noting that any decision would be guided by due process and existing laws before appropriate recommendations are presented to Governor Kefas for consideration.

He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Taraba State Government to ensuring the safety of students, teachers, and educational infrastructure, describing school security as a critical component of the successful implementation of the state’s free education policy.

“The administration of Governor Agbu Kefas remains committed to creating a secure and conducive learning environment where every child can pursue education without fear,” the SGS said.

The meeting reflects the growing recognition of multi-agency collaboration as an essential strategy for improving school security and protecting investments in education, particularly as governments across Nigeria intensify efforts to provide safe and inclusive learning environments.