Senate Moves to Probe $30m Safe School Funds, Summons Key Ministers

 

The Senate has summoned the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, to appear before its ad-hoc committee investigating the failed Safe School Initiative.

The committee, chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), adopted its work plan at its maiden meeting on Wednesday, resolving to interrogate all stakeholders linked to the management of the programme intended to protect Nigeria’s schools from attacks.

Also expected before the committee are the Chief of Defence Staff, the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, as well as representatives of school proprietors.

Briefing journalists after the inaugural session, Kalu said the Senate is determined to unravel circumstances surrounding the collapse of the multi-million-dollar initiative, launched to shield schools from terrorists and kidnappers.

The lawmaker expressed concern over the rising insecurity in learning centres, noting that more than 1,680 students have been abducted and 180 school facilities attacked since 2014.

“It is unacceptable that our schools remain soft targets for terrorists and kidnappers,” he said.

Kalu vowed that the panel would track “every naira and every dollar” released for the project, including the $30 million raised between 2014 and 2021, and the N144 billion recently released by the Federal Government.

“Nigerians deserve to know why, despite huge financial commitments and international support, our schools remain unprotected. This committee will conduct a comprehensive financial and operational audit, engaging federal ministries, state governments, security agencies and civil society,” he added.

According to him, the investigation is not aimed at witch-hunting any institution, but at strengthening accountability and ensuring that Nigerian children can learn without fear.

The probe will cover the utilisation of funds since 2014; deployment and performance of security personnel; efficiency of early-warning systems; state of infrastructure in high-risk schools; and partnerships with international donors.

The Senate’s action was spurred by fresh public outrage following the abduction of 25 female students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, and the kidnapping of over 200 students of St Mary Catholic School in Niger State.