The Nigerian government has announced plans to establish transit schools for over 11,000 displaced children who have been affected by banditry and other violent crimes in Niger State. The project will be carried out in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Niger government.
The government will also provide low-cost homes in safer locations for the victims.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, expressed her concern over the situation, stating that it is unacceptable for over 11,000 students to be out of school due to the closure of more than 400 schools in Niger. Edu stressed the importance of education in fighting poverty and expressed optimism that peace would soon return to the affected communities, allowing displaced persons to return to their homes.
The government is also considering providing a resettlement centre in the interim so that IDPs can vacate school premises and children can return to their classes.
