Plateau State Introduces Human Rights Clubs in Schools to Protect Students

The Plateau State Government has announced a new initiative aimed at strengthening the protection of students’ rights in schools by encouraging the establishment of Human Rights Clubs across educational institutions in the state.

The announcement was made during a stakeholders’ engagement held in Jos for school administrators, principals, teachers, and guidance counsellors. The programme was organised through a partnership involving the National Human Rights Commission, Shift Initiative, and the Plateau State Ministry of Education.

Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, Olivia Dazyam, emphasized the government’s commitment to eliminating human rights violations in schools. She noted that school leaders, teachers, and counsellors have a vital role to play in ensuring that students learn in safe and supportive environments.

According to Dazyam, the initiative was introduced in response to growing concerns about cases of abuse and rights violations affecting children within school communities. She explained that the government and its partners resolved to intensify efforts to address these issues by starting awareness and protection programmes directly within schools.

As part of the project, schools are being encouraged to establish Human Rights Clubs that will educate students on important topics such as child protection, human rights, gender equality, leadership, civic responsibility, conflict resolution, and active citizenship.

The programme is supported by specially developed human rights toolkits that provide schools with practical guidance on how to create, manage, and sustain the clubs. These resources are expected to help schools implement the initiative effectively and ensure long-term success.

Dazyam revealed that schools from all 17 local government areas of Plateau State participated in the initial phase of the programme and received the educational toolkits. The current phase focuses on training principals, civic education teachers, and guidance counsellors who will oversee the implementation of the clubs in their respective schools.

Education stakeholders believe that the Human Rights Clubs will help create safer learning environments while empowering students with the knowledge and values needed to promote fairness, equality, respect, and justice in their communities.

The initiative reflects the growing recognition of schools as important spaces for nurturing responsible citizens and protecting the rights and well-being of every child.