By Abuja, Nigeria
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its confidence in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) I’m as the lead agency in securing schools and students nationwide.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, have this assurance during a working visit to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, where he emphasized that the Ministry has established a dedicated “Department of Safe Schools” to provide strong coordination for the initiative, with the NSCDC positioned at the forefront of its security operations.
Dr. Alausa noted that past incidents of school abductions prompted the President, Bola Tinubu–led administration to review national strategies, ensuring students can learn in a safe and conducive environment. He added that the Ministry will continue to strengthen collaboration with the Corps in protecting schools as critical national assets.
Responding, the Commandant General of NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi OFR, mni, highlighted the Corps’ proactive measures, including a nationwide vulnerability assessment of schools that led to the establishment of the “National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre” at NSCDC Headquarters in 2022. He also showcased operational structures such as the Female Strike Force and the Community Initiative Vanguard, which have proven effective in preventing security threats to schools.
Prof. Audi assured the Minister of the Corps’ unwavering commitment and readiness to work closely with the Ministry to safeguard students, teachers, schools, and other stakeholders across the country.
The visit concluded with an inspection of the Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre by the Minister, accompanied by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Zaid Ahmed, and other members of the delegation.
