Defence Headquarters would sustain its partnership with the Initiative and relevant stakeholders to ensure that schools remain safe and conducive environments for teaching and learning
By Moses Okorie
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to supporting the Safe Schools Initiative to enhance the security of educational institutions across the country.
Oluyede gave the assurance when the National Coordinator of the Initiative, Hajiya Halima Iliya, visited Defence Headquarters in Abuja to strengthen collaboration between the military and the programme.
The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.
The CDS described the protection of schools and children as a critical national security priority requiring the collective efforts of security agencies and other stakeholders.
He assured Iliya that Defence Headquarters would sustain its partnership with the Initiative and relevant stakeholders to ensure that schools remained safe and conducive environments for teaching and learning.
Earlier, Iliya said the visit was intended to deepen cooperation between the Initiative and the Armed Forces in addressing security threats to educational institutions nationwide.
She recalled that the Safe Schools Initiative was established in 2014 following attacks on schools, particularly the abduction of 276 schoolchildren in Chibok, Borno State.
According to her, the Initiative, domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Finance, coordinates the efforts of security agencies, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, development partners and civil society organisations to improve school safety.
Iliya said the engagement also provided an opportunity to brief the CDS on the Initiative’s activities, ongoing interventions and future plans, while identifying areas for stronger collaboration with the military.
She emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation among stakeholders in protecting pupils, students, teachers and school facilities from security threats.
The coordinator also expressed condolences to the CDS and the Armed Forces over the recent military aircraft crash that claimed the lives of Nigerian Air Force personnel and other Nigerians.
Describing the incident as painful, she said the sacrifices of military personnel in the service of the nation remained deeply appreciated.
The meeting underscored the need for continued collaboration between the Armed Forces and the Safe Schools Initiative to strengthen security around educational institutions and protect children’s access to education.