Senate Commends Alausa Over Safe Schools Initiative, Transparency

Senate Commends Alausa Over Safe Schools Initiative, Transparency
Says FG Committed to Safer Schools, Full
Explained that the department replaces the former Safe Schools Unit and is expected to strengthen implementation, improve accountability and enhance monitoring of interventions across the country’s 774 local government areas

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the safety of schools across Nigeria, with the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, assuring the Senate of greater transparency, accountability and stronger coordination in the implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that Alausa gave the assurance during an interactive session with the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Safe Schools Initiative, which reviewed the implementation of the programme, including the utilisation of appropriated funds, international grants and other external support.

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The minister also received commendation from the committee for his cooperation with the National Assembly and respect for parliamentary oversight.

Senate Commends Alausa Over Safe Schools Initiative, Transparency

Chairman of the committee, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, described Alausa as a public servant who has consistently honoured invitations from the National Assembly and worked constructively with lawmakers in the discharge of their oversight responsibilities.

Kalu also praised the minister’s ongoing reforms in the education sector, saying they were strengthening Nigeria’s education system and contributing to national development.

Responding to questions from the committee, Alausa explained that the funds being reviewed, including international grants, foreign donations and appropriated funds, were disbursed years before he assumed office as Minister of Education.

He noted that the Safe Schools Financing Unit responsible for managing the funds was previously domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Finance.

According to the minister, although the disbursements predated his appointment, the Federal Government remains committed to ensuring accountability in the management of public resources.

“Government is a continuum. We have a responsibility to account to Nigerians for how public resources have been managed, and we will continue to cooperate fully with the distinguished Senate in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities,” he said.

Alausa disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Education has established a dedicated Safe Schools Department to provide strategic leadership, coordination and oversight of school safety programmes nationwide.

He explained that the department replaces the former Safe Schools Unit and is expected to strengthen implementation, improve accountability and enhance monitoring of interventions across the country’s 774 local government areas.

The minister added that the ministry is working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other relevant agencies to implement a comprehensive national framework for school safety.

Senate Commends Alausa Over Safe Schools Initiative, Transparency

He stressed that the renewed Safe Schools Initiative goes beyond physical security and includes perimeter fencing, solar-powered lighting, water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, surveillance technology, trained security personnel, early warning systems and stronger collaboration among governments, communities and security agencies.

According to him, the establishment of the new department reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to a safe and conducive learning environment.

Alausa thanked the Senate committee for its engagement and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with the National Assembly, security agencies, state governments and other stakeholders to strengthen accountability and improve school safety across the country.