Strengthening School Effectiveness through Safety Measures and Quality Assurance Mechanisms in Insecurity-Prone Zamfara State, Nigeria

Authors

  • Jibril Almustapha Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria; Department of Arts and Social Sciences Education, Faculty of Education, Zamfara University Talata Mafara, Nigeria Author
  • Abbas Sani Dahiru Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria Author
  • Zainab Salisu Bature Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria Author
  • Gladys Amaka Ekeh Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria Author
  • Umar Haruna Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria Author
  • Saliha Yahaya Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria Author
  • Nafisa Tukur Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria Author
  • Aisha Abdullahi Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64229/byatmk86

Keywords:

Education, Insecurity, School Effectiveness, Safety Measures, Insecurity, Education Quality Assurance

Abstract

School effectiveness is a crucial determinant of educational quality and national development. However, the increasing insecurity in Nigeria has posed significant challenges to the safety and functionality of schools, disrupting teaching and learning processes, diminishing student performance, and undermining teachers' commitment. The escalating threats of attacks on schools, abductions, and violence have created an urgent need to strengthen safety measures to safeguard the educational environment and enhance institutional resilience. This paper explores how robust safety measures contribute to improving school effectiveness amid insecurity, with a focus on their implications for educational quality assurance in reference with Zamfara State, northwest Nigeria. Effective safety strategies, such as infrastructural security enhancements, psychological support systems, crisis response mechanisms, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, play a fundamental role in ensuring a conducive learning environment. These measures not only protect lives but also create stability, fostering an atmosphere where teachers can perform effectively and students can achieve optimal learning outcomes. The paper argues that integrating security measures into the broader educational quality assurance framework reinforces institutional accountability, promotes policy adherence, and enhances the overall performance of schools. Furthermore, this study underscores the critical roles of educational stakeholders, including policymakers, school administrators, teachers, parents, and security agencies, in sustaining a secure and effective school system. Strengthening school safety requires proactive interventions, well-defined policies, and strategic partnerships to mitigate the adverse effects of insecurity on education. By prioritizing safety within the quality assurance framework, educational institutions can enhance their effectiveness, ensuring sustainable academic excellence and institutional stability in Zamfara State.

References

[1]Akomolafe, C.O., & Oluwatoyin, V. (2024). Funding And Instructional Supervision As Correlates of Public Secondary School Effectiveness in Ekiti State, Nigeria. International Journal of Educational Foundations & Management, 18(1), 17-25.

[2]Bello, S.O. (2016). School Effectiveness: Concepts, Indicators and Dimensions. Benin Journal of Educational Studies, 24(1&2), 173-181.

[3]Arkoubi, K. (2016). Safety in Schools. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, 7(3), 708-710.

[4]Peretomode, V.F., & Bello, S.O. (2018). Analysis of Teachers’ Commitment and Dimensions of Organizational Commitment in Edo State Public Secondary Schools. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 8(3), 87-92.

[5]Almustapha, J., Dahiru, A.S., Abubakar, H., and Ibrahim, R.K. (2024). Perceived Impact of Quality Assurance on Teachers’ Job Performance in Nigerian Context. International Journal of Education and Psychological Science (IJEPS), 2(5), 297-304.

[6]Channels Television (2021, September 1). Zamfara Govt Orders Closure of Schools After Students’ Abduction. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.channelstv.com/2021/09/01/zamfara-govt-orders-closure-of-schools-after-students-abduction/amp/

[7]TheCable (2022 Aug. 27). Zamfara: 75 secondary schools shut since 2021 over insecurity. https://www.thecable.ng/zamfara-75-secondary-schools-shut-since-2021-over-insecurity/amp

[8]Wiki Times (2023, December 22). Insecurity: 168 Schools Shut Down in Zamfara Since 2021. Insecurity: 168 Schools Shut Down in Zamfara Since 2021 - Wikkitimes

[9]Daily Post (2023 October 16). Insecurity: 75 Zamfara schools in red areas remain shut as others resume. Insecurity: 75 Zamfara schools in red areas remain shut as others resume - Daily Post Nigeria

[10]TVC News Nigeria (2023, Dec. 3). Zamfara Government to Reopen Schools shutdown due to insecurity. https://youtu.be/AE0iKYE_ZBA?feature=shared

[11]Charles-Zalakoro, J.L., Oko-jaja, C., Osusu, T.B., & Affen, M.P. (2019). Proactive Strategies for Security Enhancing Educational Development. Education & Science Journal of Policy Review and Curriculum Development, 9(2), 100-110.

[12]Creemers, B., & Kyriakides, L. (2012). School effectiveness and improvement: Research, policy, and practice. Routledge.

[13]Dahiru, A.S. (2017). Relationship Between Entrepreneurial Leadership Practice, School Culture, Teacher Empowerment and School Effectiveness Among Secondary Schools In Zamfara State-Nigeria. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, Universiti Putra Malaysia

[14]Lezotte, L., & Snyder, K. (2011). What effective schools do: Re-envisioning the correlates. Solution Tree Press.

[15]Onifode, Imhonopl & Uorim (2013) Addressing the Insecurity Challenge in Nigeria: The Imperative of Moral Values and Virtue Ethics. Global Journal of Human Social Science Political Science, 13(2).

[16]Olamosu, B. (2000). Crisis of Education in Nigeria. Ibadan: Book Farm Publishers

[17]Ogunode, N. J &Ukozor C. U (2022) Implication of Insecurity on Higher Education in South East Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria and Way Forward. International Journal on Integrated Education, 5(7), 77-85.

[18]Oviasuyi, P.O (2021). The paradox of blessings and challenges of poverty and insecurity. In NPSA. south south journals of political science, 2(1), 1-13.

[19]Ochuko, E.D., & Nkechi, E.T. (2023). Insecurity In Nigeria: Its Implications For The Education Sector. Wukari International Studies Journal, 7(3), 52-62.

[20]Okonkwo, N.S., & Daris Efeurhobo (2015) Development and national Security; Implication for the Nigerian State. Journal of Social Sciences, 6(2) 49-55.

[21]Yusuf, M., & Bello, H. (2022). School closures due to insecurity: Effects on curriculum implementation and student performance in Nigeria. International Journal of Educational Research, 10(2), 90-110.

[22]Adebayo, T., & Ogunyemi, P. (2020). Teacher attrition and the challenges of school effectiveness in conflict-prone regions. African Journal of Education, 8(1), 90-104.

[23]Abdullahi, M. S., & Haruna, B. (2023). Impact of insecurity on school attendance and educational outcomes 4in Northern Nigeria. Journal of Educational Development, 10(2), 45-60.

[24]Umar, I., & Mohammed, A. (2022). The effect of school insecurity on student enrollment and retention in Northern Nigeria. African Journal of Educational Studies, 15(1), 130-150.

[25]Obasi, C. (2020). School effectiveness in crisis situations: Lessons from conflict-prone regions. African Educational Research Journal, 7(4), 112-130.

[26]Aliyu, M., & Garba, N. (2023). Crisis management in schools: A proactive approach to educational security in Nigeria. Journal of School Administration, 6(1), 55-70.

[27]Ministry of Education Kenya (2008). Safety standards manual for Kenyan schools. Nairobi.

[28]Adekunle, A.A. & Ambali, A.A. (2019). School Safety Measures and Teachers’ Quality of Work Life in Lagos State Model Colleges, Nigeria. Islamic University Multidisciplinary Journal IUMJ, 6(2), 70-78.

[29]Bucher, K.T., & Manning, M.L. (2005). Creating Safe Schools. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas, 79(1), 55-60.

[30]Chinedu, A.N., Joseph, U., Chukwuka, E., & Ukwunna, G.C. (2019). Insecurity And The Nigeria School System: The Securitization Option For Sustainable Development. 2nd International Conference Of Unizik Business School. (Pdf) Insecurity And The Nigeria School System: The Securitization Option For Sustainable Development

[31]Squelch, J. (2001). Do school governing bodies have a duty to create safe schools? An educational law perspective. Perspectives in Education, 19, 137-149.

[32]Mubita, K. (2019). Understanding School Safety and Security: Conceptualization and Definitions. Journal of Lexicography and Terminology, 5(1), 76-86. https://journals.unza.zm/index.php/jlt

[33]Reeves, M.A., Kanan, L.M., & Plog, A.E. (2010). Comprehensive Planning for Safe Learning Environments: A School Professional's Guide to Integrating Physical and Psychological Safety-Prevention through Recovery (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203879863

[34]Ekechukwu, P. C., Dienye, V. U., & Kalu, N. E. (2022). Insecurity and coping strategies in public secondary schools in Abia State, Nigeria. Irish Journal of Educational Practice, 5(2). Retrieved from https://aspjournals.org/Journals/index.php/ijep/article/view/48

[35]Gift, H. (2024, August 5). 2,851 schools lack fences, other security measures-NSCDC. Punch. Retrieved from https://punchng.com/2851-schools-lack-fences-other-security-measures-nscdc/

[36]Damog Nigeria Ltd. (n.d.). School security measures and how to implement one now. Retrieved from https://damognigeria.com/school-security-measures/

[37]Daily Post Nigeria (2025, May 9). Insecurity: Police deploy CCTV cameras, alarms in Bauchi schools-Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved from https://dailypost.ng/2025/05/09/insecurity-police-deploy-cctv-cameras-alarms-in-bauchi-schools/

[38]Safe school initiative programme and human security in Nigeria. (n.d.). Information Horizons. American Journal of Library and Information Science Innovation. Retrieved from https://www.grnjournal.us/index.php/AJLISI/article/view/5318

[39]Chinwuba, M. A. (n.d.). Impact of Safe School Initiative Programme on behaviour of victims of insurgency in secondary schools in North-East Nigeria. International Journal of Applied Educational Research. Retrieved from https://journal.multitechpublisher.com/index.php/ijaer/article/view/2126

[40]Ajayi, A., & Omotayo, R. (2020). Counseling services and school safety in Nigeria: An empirical study. African Journal of Educational Research, 10(3), 78-95.

[41]UNESCO. (2022). Safe Schools Declaration: Protecting education from attack. UNESCO Publications.

[42]Babalola, J. B. (2004). Quality assurance and child friendly strategies for improving public school effectiveness and teacher performance in Nigeria. In E. O. Fagbamiye, J. B. Babalola, M. Fabunmi & A. O. Ayeni (Eds.), Management of primary and secondary education in Nigeria. Ibadan: NAEP.

[43]Digolo, O. D. (2003). How far have we come since independence and what still needs to be done to meet the education needs of all Kenyans? Paper presented in Education conference. Nairobi: Government Press.

[44]Ijaiya, N. Y. S. (2009). From quality control to quality Assurance: A panacea for quality education in Nigerian schools. A Journal of the Nigerian Association of Educational Administration and Planning, 6(9), 295-303.

[45]Federal Ministry of Education (2014). The National Education Quality Assurance Policy. Lagos: NERDC press.

[46]Ajayi, I. A. & Akindurite, I. O. (2008). The unresolved issues of quality assurance in Nigeria universities. Journal of Sociology and Education in Africa, 6(1), 17-22.

[47]Akinfolarin, A., Olanrewaju, T., & Adeboye, J. (2021). Security measures and school safety: A study of secondary schools in Nigeria. International Journal of Educational Policy, 15(2), 78-93.

[48]Olawale, S., & Alabi, K. (2022). Monitoring and evaluating school security: The role of educational quality assurance agencies in Nigeria. Journal of Education and Policy Analysis, 9(3), 65-85.

[49]Obi, N., & Eze, J. (2021). Ensuring school quality through safety measures: A case study of Nigerian secondary schools. Journal of Educational Standards, 14(2), 85-100.

[50]Ibrahim, M., & Musa, T. (2023). Capacity building for school administrators in crisis-prone areas: Implications for educational quality assurance. African Journal of Educational Leadership, 11(4), 100-120.

[51]Ahmed, A., & Sani, I. (2023). Policy intervention and school security: Strategies for addressing insecurity in Nigerian education. International Journal of Educational Policy and Management, 7(3), 55-78.

Downloads

Published

2025-08-13

Issue

Section

Articles