FG STRENGTHENS SAFE SCHOOLS INITIATIVE TO PROTECT STUDENTS, TEACHERS
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Federal Government has announced plans to strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative as part of efforts to improve the security of pupils and teachers across the country.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during an interface with the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Safe Schools Initiative in Abuja. He said the ministry is working 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 national framework for school safety.
Alausa explained that the initiative goes beyond physical security, covering infrastructure, technology, monitoring systems and other measures aimed at preventing attacks and kidnappings in schools. He added that the Ministry of Education will coordinate implementation with states to ensure schools benefit from the programme.
Chairman of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, said a dedicated Safe Schools Department has been established in the ministry to improve coordination, accountability and effective management of the initiative.