Esther Efe EMWANTA-TOM

This study investigates the knowledge of school safety challenges and their impact on the educational development of secondary school students in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. It emphasizes the importance of a safe school environment as a foundation for effective teaching, learning, and overall student development. The research highlights those frequent issues such as violence, bullying, cultism, sexual harassment, poor infrastructure, and insecurity continue to affect students’ academic performance and emotional well-being in many Nigerian schools. A descriptive survey research design was adopted to collect data from both public and private secondary schools within the study area. Using a structured questionnaire titled School Safety and Educational Development Questionnaire (SSEDQ), data were gathered from a sample of 150 students selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. The study examined students’ awareness of safety risks, their exposure to safety training, and how these factors influence attendance, academic performance, and psychological stability. Findings revealed that although students recognize some safety threats in their schools, many lack sufficient knowledge of preventive and emergency measures. Schools with inadequate infrastructure, poor security systems, and limited safety education reported higher cases of absenteeism, fear, and reduced classroom participation. The study also identified gaps in policy enforcement, teacher training, and stakeholder collaboration as major barriers to ensuring safe learning environments. Based on these findings, the research recommends that school authorities and government agencies should prioritize the implementation of comprehensive safety policies, regular safety drills, and improved infrastructure. Teachers should receive training on child protection and crisis management, while students should be continuously educated on safety awareness and response strategies. A collaborative approach involving parents, communities, and educational stakeholders is essential to creating a secure, supportive, and conducive learning environment for students.