Fresh Probe: Senate Moves To Uncover How Safe Schools Funds Were Spent

The Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Safe Schools Initiative has commenced an investigation into the management and disbursement of funds allocated to the programme, including foreign grants, donations from development partners and budgetary releases.

The committee, chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, announced the probe on Friday during its inaugural sitting at the National Assembly in Abuja.

Kalu said the investigation is aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in the utilisation of funds earmarked to improve the safety of schools across the country.

He stressed that the exercise is not targeted at any individual, insisting that every government must account for public resources regardless of when the funds were released.

“Government is a continuum. Whether these funds were released before the present minister assumed office or not, government remains responsible for accounting for every kobo entrusted to it,” Kalu said.

The former Abia State governor also reminded public office holders of their obligation to account to the National Assembly, describing legislative oversight as a key component of Nigeria’s democracy.

Kalu disclosed that parts of the investigation would be conducted behind closed doors because they involve sensitive security issues relating to attacks on schools, terrorism and banditry.

According to him, operational details capable of compromising national security would not be discussed in public.

Alausa Explains Past Disbursements

Appearing before the committee, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said most of the payments under investigation were made between five and seven years ago, before he assumed office.

He explained that since becoming minister, the major disbursements linked to the initiative have been security-related interventions channelled through the Ministry of Finance to agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Alausa also disclosed that the Safe Schools Initiative has now been transferred from the Ministry of Finance to the Federal Ministry of Education, where a dedicated department has been established to oversee its implementation.

According to the minister, the Tinubu administration remains committed to safeguarding schools, teachers and students across the country.

He added that the Ministry of Education is working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen school security nationwide.

Alausa explained that the Safe Schools Initiative goes beyond protecting schools from attacks, noting that it also covers infrastructure improvements such as perimeter fencing, solar-powered lighting, water and sanitation facilities, as well as technology and monitoring systems designed to create safer learning environments.

‘Not a Witch-hunt’

Other members of the committee, including Vice Chairman Senator Sahabi Yau and Senator Anthony Ani, also dismissed suggestions that the investigation was aimed at targeting any individual.

They maintained that the Senate was merely carrying out its constitutional oversight responsibility to ensure that funds allocated to the initiative were properly utilised and that the programme’s objectives were being achieved.