The Senate has directed its ad-hoc committee investigating the collapse of the Safe School Initiative to summon the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, alongside the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, to appear before lawmakers on Tuesday, December 9.
The decision to invite the finance minister followed the committee’s adoption of its work plan during its maiden meeting, chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
Also expected to appear are other key stakeholders linked to the failed initiative, including the Chief of Defence Staff; the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Mohammed Abubakar Audi; and representatives of school proprietors.
During the committee’s inaugural sitting on Wednesday, Senator Kalu pledged that the Senate would uncover all issues related to the implementation of the initiative and ensure full accountability.
He highlighted that more than 1,680 schoolchildren have been abducted and 180 educational facilities attacked since 2014, calling the situation an unacceptable reality for a country committed to child safety and educational development.
“It is unacceptable that our schools remain soft targets for terrorists and kidnappers,” Kalu said.
“We will track every naira and every dollar allocated to the Safe School Initiative, some of which were the $30million mobilized between 2014 and 2021 aside the latest N144 billion released for the initiative by the federal government.
“Nigerians deserve to know why, despite enormous investment and global support, our schools remain unsafe. The committee will undertake a comprehensive financial and operational audit, engaging federal ministries, state governments, security agencies and civil society partners.”
Kalu stated that the committee intends to reassure parents that their children can seek education without fear. He stressed that the probe is not directed at any person or institution but is focused on promoting transparency and accountability.
The committee’s investigation will cover: Utilisation of funds allocated since 2014; Deployment and effectiveness of security personnel; Early warning and emergency response systems; Infrastructure upgrades in vulnerable schools; and Partnerships with international donors and private-sector contributors.
The probe was prompted by renewed public anger following the recent kidnapping of 25 female students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, and the abduction of more than 200 students from St Mary Catholic School in Niger State.
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