The Federal Government has transferred the Safe Schools Initiative from the Federal Ministry of Finance to the Federal Ministry of Education as questions continue over the funding and implementation of Nigeria's school-security programme.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa disclosed that the Ministry has also established a dedicated Safe Schools Department to coordinate policy, implementation, monitoring and engagement with state governments.
The development comes as the Senate investigates how money allocated to the Safe Schools programme has been spent and whether the programme has delivered adequate protection for pupils and teachers.
Why has the programme moved to the Education Ministry?
Until now, the financial side of the Safe Schools Initiative had largely been domiciled in the Ministry of Finance.
Alausa argued that it made more sense for the programme to sit under the Ministry responsible for schools, education policy and coordination with states. The Education Ministry is expected to provide central leadership while working with security agencies and state governments.
What is the Senate investigating?
The Senate's investigation is focused on accountability for funds released under the Safe Schools Initiative and whether the money produced the intended improvements in school security.
The investigation has subsequently widened to other agencies and education-related intervention funds.
What could this mean for schools?
The creation of a dedicated department could provide clearer responsibility for:
- school-security planning;
- coordination with states and security agencies;
- monitoring of Safe Schools projects;
- implementation of national school-safety policies; and
- accountability for future interventions.
The bigger question, however, will be whether the administrative change produces visible improvements in the safety of schools.
The Senate investigation is therefore worth following beyond the initial announcement.
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