Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking help ensure the safety of schools in northern Nigeria from attack from Boko Haram.

All children have the right to learn in safe environments. The Government remains committed to supporting Nigeria to respond to humanitarian needs, and address the root causes of the conflict in the north-east of the country. Education is a crucial part of working towards a brighter future for the region.

The UK and Nigeria have both endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration, which deters the military from use of schools and prevents schools becoming targets in conflict-affected areas. DFID is supporting the Government of Nigeria to implement the Declaration, including in the north-east.

DFID supported the Safe School Initiative. Technical assistance provided has focused on supporting the Safe School Initiative secretariat through development of tools for reporting and monitoring of activities including training to school based management committees.