Stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector have renewed calls for the full and effective implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative amid rising attacks on schools across the country.
The appeal comes as schools remain frequent targets for bandits and terrorist groups, with incidents spreading beyond the North-East to the North-West and parts of the South-West.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Deolu Ogunbanjo, emphasized the need for stronger security measures, including the establishment of state policing and greater community involvement in intelligence gathering.
He noted that while the Safe Schools Initiative was launched after the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, its implementation has remained inconsistent. Ogunbanjo called for improved school infrastructure, including perimeter fencing and the deployment of trained security personnel rather than unarmed gatekeepers.
Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) urged the government to enforce nationwide implementation of the initiative. NUT President Titus Amba stressed the need for modern surveillance systems, rapid emergency response mechanisms, and enhanced intelligence gathering, particularly in high-risk areas.
Amba also highlighted the importance of providing psychosocial support for students and teachers affected by school-related violence.
The Safe Schools Initiative, introduced by the Federal Government in collaboration with development partners, initially received ₦20 billion in funding to improve school security through early warning systems and infrastructure upgrades. In 2023, the government announced a ₦144.8 billion financing plan for 2023–2026.
Despite these efforts, attacks on schools have continued, raising concerns about accountability and implementation gaps. A recent attempt to abduct students in Edo State, foiled by security operatives and local residents, underscored the ongoing threat.
Meanwhile, little progress has been reported seven months after the Senate launched an investigation into the initiative’s implementation, including scrutiny of previous budget allocations.
Stakeholders warn that without urgent and coordinated action, schools across Nigeria will remain vulnerable, putting the safety of students and teachers at continued risk.
