The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting learners and strengthening school safety across the country as part of ongoing efforts to provide a secure and conducive learning environment for all Nigerian children.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, gave the assurance while highlighting the administration’s renewed focus on the Safe Schools Initiative, stressing that the safety and well-being of learners remain a top priority under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the minister, the government is intensifying collaboration with security agencies, state governments, development partners and local communities to safeguard schools against attacks and other security threats that have disrupted education in parts of the country.
Alausa noted that the Federal Ministry of Education has established a dedicated Department of Safe Schools to coordinate national efforts aimed at protecting educational institutions. He said the initiative seeks to ensure that every child can learn in a safe, secure and supportive environment, free from fear and violence.
He explained that the strengthened Safe Schools Initiative includes improved early warning systems, enhanced emergency preparedness, risk assessment, community engagement and closer coordination with security agencies to prevent attacks on schools and respond swiftly to emerging threats.
The minister reiterated that the protection of learners is a shared responsibility requiring the active participation of parents, teachers, school administrators, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and security agencies.
He added that the Federal Government remains committed to implementing the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, which provides a framework for ensuring safe and inclusive learning environments nationwide.
The renewed commitment comes amid continued efforts by the Federal Government to address security challenges affecting education, particularly incidents of school abductions and attacks on educational institutions in some parts of the country. In February, the Ministry of Education also unveiled a Smart School Protection Strategy in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to strengthen security around schools nationwide.
Alausa urged all stakeholders to support the Safe Schools Initiative, emphasizing that ensuring the safety of learners is essential to improving access to quality education and achieving sustainable national development.
