The Federal Government is reviewing funding and accountability mechanisms under the Safe Schools Initiative to ensure faster release of resources for protecting schools nationwide.
Minister of Finance, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this on Friday while appearing before the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Safe Schools Initiative in Abuja.
Oyedele said the review would strengthen implementation, improve accountability and ensure resources were effectively deployed to safeguard students, teachers and educational institutions.
He identified delays in releasing funds to security agencies and institutions responsible for protecting schools as a key challenge requiring urgent attention.
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, DSS and other agencies need adequate and timely funding to prevent attacks on schools.
“The real issue is not who is controlling the budget. What matters most is ensuring that the funding is adequate and the monies are released on time,” he said.
Oyedele stressed that timely releases would enable security agencies to act proactively and prevent attacks rather than responding after incidents had occurred.
He, however, cautioned that increased funding alone would not completely eliminate insecurity, although it could significantly reduce risks and strengthen preventive measures.
The minister said school safety remained a shared responsibility involving federal and state governments, security agencies, lawmakers and other critical stakeholders.
He revealed that the government had also identified gaps in transparency and accountability within the administration of the Safe Schools Initiative.
According to him, efforts are underway to improve oversight and ensure resources allocated to school security are properly utilised.
Oyedele assured the Senate committee that the Ministry of Finance would fully cooperate in addressing any shortcomings uncovered during the investigation.
“Government is a continuum. Once we have the opportunity to serve, we must accept responsibility for the office and address anything that has not been done properly,” he said.
He said the ultimate objective was to ensure Nigerian children attended school confidently while teachers carried out their duties in a secure environment.
The minister also urged Nigerians and the media to support efforts against insecurity and avoid narratives that could amplify terrorist propaganda.
He emphasised that protecting schools and securing the future of children required collective commitment from all citizens.
Earlier, Chairman of the committee, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, said the investigation followed Senate resolutions to scrutinise financial flows and accountability structures.
Kalu said the Ministry of Finance occupied a central position because of its constitutional responsibility for managing public funds and intervention allocations.
He said the committee was examining financial allocations, donor contributions, disbursements and utilisation of resources committed to protecting schools nationwide.
According to him, the panel seeks comprehensive records that would enable it to prepare an actionable report for consideration by the Senate.
Kalu commended Oyedele for honouring invitations from the National Assembly, describing his appearance as evidence of respect for democratic institutions.
The senator noted that although some transactions predated Oyedele’s tenure, public institutions remained accountable regardless of leadership changes. (NAN)
