Atiku Abubakar Critiques Tinubu on School Security Failures

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu regarding the closure of schools in approximately 40 local government areas due to insecurity. Atiku, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, stated that this situation reflects a failure to protect Nigerian children and their right to education.

He raised concerns about the ₦144.86 billion allocated for the National Plan on Financing Safe Schools for 2023–2026, questioning its effectiveness in ensuring school safety. Atiku emphasized that merely budgeting funds does not equate to securing schools and called for a full account of the programme's implementation.

He proposed a new security philosophy that integrates local intelligence and community involvement in protecting schools, advocating for early-warning systems and defined emergency plans. Atiku warned that school closures contribute to poverty and vulnerability among children, asserting that protecting education is crucial for national security.