SUBEB, UBEC Train Safeguarding Master Trainers to Strengthen Child Protection in Schools

By Jamila Garba Muhammad

The State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Kano, in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Abuja, has organized a three-day training for Safeguarding Master Trainers aimed at strengthening child protection and promoting safe learning environments in schools.

Speaking at the training, the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Malam Yusuf Kabir, who was represented by the Director of Special Programmes, Nura Ibrahim, said the training was a major step towards strengthening child protection and safeguarding mechanisms across 28 non-PLANE intervention Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs).

He explained that the initiative was conducted under the SUBEB–UBEC Matching Grant Intervention to equip participants with effective methods of training teachers and promoting safeguarding practices in schools. He added that the programme also introduced the use of short safeguarding messages in classrooms to raise awareness among pupils and promote the protection of their dignity and well-being in schools.

Malam Yusuf Kabir further stated that a total of 21 participants, comprising 20 members of the SUBEB Safeguarding Team and one EMIS Officer, took part in the training. The participants were trained on safeguarding principles and practical strategies to ensure safe and protective learning environments for pupils.
According to him, the training introduced participants to core safeguarding principles, the risks that may threaten learners’ safety, and strategies for creating safe and inclusive school environments. Participants also learned how to handle safeguarding concerns using the 5Rs approach—Recognize, Respond, Record, Report, and Refer. In addition, they were introduced to safeguarding classroom messages using cue cards to promote awareness among pupils.

The training also focused on applied safeguarding, equipping participants with practical tools to manage and refer safeguarding cases through established referral pathways, ensuring proper handling and reporting of concerns in schools.

In his remarks after the training, the Director of Special Programmes, Nura Ibrahim, said all necessary arrangements had been concluded to cascade the training to schools through five clusters—Kura, Wudil, Bichi, Nassarawa, and Kafin Maiyaki (Bebeji).

He noted that the step-down training will target 252 participants across the 28 LGEAs, emphasizing that safeguarding is essential in creating safe, inclusive, and secure learning environments for all children.

Nura Ibrahim commended the participants for their commitment and urged them to ensure the successful replication of the training at the LGEA and school levels.

The capacity-building programme reflects the continued commitment of SUBEB and UBEC to strengthening safeguarding systems in schools, promoting child protection, and ensuring a safe learning environment for every learner.