Education stakeholders are intensifying pressure on the government to effectively activate the Safe Schools Initiative as learning centers remain primary targets for criminal groups. Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, the Board of Trustees Chairman for NAPTAN, recently emphasized that state-level policing is essential to bolstering national security. He stressed that school perimeters require armed guards rather than simple security staff, while urging citizens to share actionable intelligence with authorities to prevent further violence.
Titus Amba, President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, echoed these sentiments, calling for the nationwide rollout of modern surveillance, emergency response systems, and robust support for students and staff affected by trauma. The initiative was established following the 2014 Chibok tragedy, backed by substantial funding, yet systemic insecurity continues to spread across Nigeria, reaching regions beyond the North-East.
Despite billions of naira allocated for protection, including a 2023 financial plan reaching nearly N145 billion, progress remains stagnant. A Senate committee investigation led by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has yielded limited results since its inception seven months ago, despite concerns regarding how previous funds were utilized. With abduction attempts still being reported, such as a recent incident in Edo State, the call for immediate, transparent implementation of school safety measures has become more critical than ever.
