Makinde Pledges Enhanced Security for Oyo Schools

On Wednesday, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde reiterated his administration's dedication to ensuring the safety of schools in the state, emphasizing that the protection of children and teachers is non-negotiable amid escalating security concerns across Nigeria. This statement was made during a seminar titled “Building Resilient Schools: Strengthening Operational Capacity for Safety, Security and Child Protection in Oyo State Educational Institutions.” Represented by Akin Oyedele, Head of Operations at the Oyo State Security Trust Fund, Makinde highlighted the government's significant investments aimed at preventing schools from becoming targets for criminal activities.

He called for a collaborative effort among security agencies, non-state actors, schools, and communities to transform the seminar's resolutions into actionable results. The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olusegun Olayiwola, represented by Permanent Secretary Bamidele Oyinloye, urged all stakeholders to prioritize safety both inside and outside school premises.

Augustine Padonu, Oyo State Commandant of NSCDC, identified common vulnerabilities in schools, including inadequate perimeter fencing and poor security awareness.