Makinde promises improved security for Oyo schools

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has reiterated his administration's unwavering commitment to enhancing security within the state's schools, declaring the protection of children and teachers as a non-negotiable priority. This assurance comes amidst growing security challenges across Nigeria.

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The protection of children and teachers is non-negotiable amid rising security concerns nationwide.

Speaking at a seminar themed "Building Resilient Schools: Strengthening Operational Capacity for Safety, Security and Child Protection in Oyo State Educational Institutions," Makinde, represented by the Head of Operations for the Oyo State Security Trust Fund, Akin Oyedele, emphasized the administration's significant investment in preventing schools from becoming easy targets for criminals. "We will ensure no school becomes a soft target for criminal elements," he stated.

Makinde acknowledged that recent security incidents nationwide necessitate a reevaluation and strategic adjustment of safeguarding measures for children and their learning environments. He expressed the state government's readiness to provide the necessary logistical and policy support to implement the seminar's resolutions. The governor urged security agencies, non-state actors, schools, and communities to translate the seminar's outcomes into tangible actions and foster stronger collaboration with the government.

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We will ensure no school becomes a soft target for criminal elements.

During the event, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olusegun Olayiwola, represented by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Bamidele Oyinloye, stressed the importance of involving all stakeholders in addressing safety concerns both inside and outside school premises. Deputy Commandant Augustine Padonu of the Oyo State NSCDC, represented by Timothy Patunola, identified common school vulnerabilities, including inadequate perimeter fencing, unrestricted access, poor security awareness, insufficient emergency preparedness, lack of surveillance facilities, and weak communication channels with security agencies.

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Recent security challenges across Nigeria have made it imperative for stakeholders to rethink and restrategise how to safeguard children and their learning spaces.