Military, Safe Schools Initiative Deepen Partnership to Protect Schools

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The National Coordinator of the Safe Schools Initiative, Hajiya Halima Iliya, has sought stronger collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria to improve the security of schools and protect children across the country.

In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Samaila Uba, on Wednesday, Iliya made the call during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

She said the visit was to brief the CDS on the initiative’s activities, interventions and future plans, as well as explore areas for deeper collaboration with the military.Iliya said the Safe Schools Initiative was established in 2014 following attacks on schools, particularly the abduction of 276 Chibok schoolgirls, which highlighted the vulnerability of educational institutions to security threats.

She said the initiative, domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Finance, coordinates security agencies, government institutions, development partners and civil society organisations in efforts to safeguard schools.

The coordinator also commiserated with the Armed Forces over the recent air mishap that claimed the lives of Nigerian Air Force personnel and other Nigerians, describing the incident as painful and acknowledging the sacrifices of military personnel.

Responding, Oluyede commended the initiative for its commitment to protecting schools and assured Iliya of the Armed Forces’ full cooperation and support.

He said the protection of schools and children remained a critical national security priority and a shared responsibility, adding that the Defence Headquarters would continue to work with the Safe Schools Initiative and other stakeholders to keep schools safe and conducive for learning.