FG to strengthen Safe Schools Initiative with security agencies

Nigeria's Federal Government is set to bolster the Safe Schools Initiative, aiming to significantly improve the security of educational institutions across the country's 774 local government areas. This move comes in response to escalating concerns over school attacks and student kidnappings.

“

We are collaborating 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 a fragmented manner.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced plans for deeper collaboration with various security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces, and the Nigeria Police. The goal is to develop a comprehensive national framework for school safety, encompassing not just physical security measures like fencing and lighting, but also the recruitment of personnel and the deployment of technology.

Alausa emphasized the need for a centralized coordination mechanism, stating, "School safety cannot be handled in a fragmented manner." He is advocating for the management of the initiative's funds to be transferred from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Education, arguing that his ministry is better positioned to oversee its implementation effectively. A dedicated Safe Schools Department has already been established within the ministry to spearhead these efforts.

“

Safe Schools is much broader than physical security. It includes perimeter fencing, solar-powered lighting, water and sanitation facilities, recruitment of school security personnel, deployment of technology and the establishment of effective monitoring systems.

The minister highlighted that while security agencies will continue their constitutional duties, the Ministry of Education will provide policy direction and coordinate implementation with state governments. This integrated approach aims to ensure that all schools benefit from the program, addressing the multifaceted nature of school safety which includes infrastructure, personnel, and monitoring systems.

“

There are many components of the Safe Schools Initiative, and they require a central command-and-control structure. While the security agencies will continue to perform their constitutional duties, the Federal Ministry of Education will provide policy direction, coordinate implementation with states and ensure that every school benefits from the programme.