FG Enhances Safe Schools Initiative with Security Agencies

On Friday, the Federal Government announced plans to strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative, focusing on collaboration with security agencies to enhance the safety of teachers, pupils, and school facilities across Nigeria's 774 local government areas. This initiative responds to ongoing concerns about attacks on schools and the kidnapping of students and teachers.

Dr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, stated that the Federal Ministry of Education is working with key security agencies to develop a comprehensive national framework for school safety. He proposed transferring the management of funds for the initiative from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Education, asserting that the education ministry is better equipped to coordinate the program.

Alausa mentioned the establishment of a dedicated Safe Schools Department to oversee the initiative, which includes various components such as perimeter fencing, solar-powered lighting, and recruitment of security personnel. He stressed the importance of a central coordination mechanism for effective nationwide implementation.