The Federal Government says it is stepping up efforts to make schools safer across Nigeria, with plans to work more closely with security agencies to protect teachers, pupils and school communities in all 774 local government areas.
Speaking after meeting the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Safe Schools Initiative on Friday, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said his ministry wants full control of the funds allocated to the programme instead of the current arrangement where they are managed by the Ministry of Finance.
According to him, school safety goes far beyond deploying security personnel.
“We are working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to develop a comprehensive Safe Schools framework. School safety cannot be handled in bits and pieces,” he said.
Alausa explained that the initiative also covers perimeter fencing, solar-powered lighting, clean water, sanitation facilities, school security personnel, technology and effective monitoring systems.
He said the programme requires a central coordinating authority to ensure every school benefits.
“There are many parts to the Safe Schools Initiative, and they all need proper coordination. Security agencies will continue to perform their duties, while the Ministry of Education will provide policy direction, work with state governments and ensure the programme reaches schools across the country,” he said.
The minister revealed that since taking office, the only major funds released under the initiative had gone to the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps through the Ministry of Finance.
He added that the Education Ministry has now created a full Safe Schools Department to manage the programme more effectively, replacing the smaller unit that previously handled it.
“We felt the old structure was not enough considering the importance of keeping our schools safe. That is why we believe the funds should now be managed directly by the Ministry of Education,” he said.
Responding to the proposal, the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, downplayed concerns over which ministry should manage the funds.
He said the government’s priority is ensuring schools receive adequate protection, not arguing over who controls the budget.
“For us, it is not really about who manages the budget. By law, intervention funds are usually handled by the Ministry of Finance because it serves as the government’s accountant. We will resolve any administrative issues together,” he said.
Oyedele added that the real focus should be ensuring enough money is available and released on time to prevent attacks on schools rather than responding after tragedies occur.
