The Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Safe Schools Initiative has intensified its investigation into the management of billions of naira allocated for school protection programmes across Nigeria, with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, appearing before lawmakers to provide explanations on the administration of the funds.
The hearing, chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, forms part of an ongoing legislative investigation into appropriations and donor funds released under the Safe Schools Initiative.
The programme was established to improve security in educational institutions following repeated attacks on schools and abductions of students in several parts of the country.
Welcoming the minister and his delegation, Kalu commended Oyedele for honouring the committee’s invitation and reaffirmed that the investigation was aimed at ensuring accountability and transparency rather than targeting any individual or institution.
“This investigation is not a witch-hunt. It is a constitutional responsibility under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution. Our objective is to ensure financial accountability, value for money and the protection of Nigerian schoolchildren,” Kalu said.
The senator noted that the Ministry of Finance plays a critical role in managing public funds and overseeing disbursements to agencies involved in implementing school security programmes.
Responding, Oyedele pledged the ministry’s full cooperation and stressed that school safety remains a national priority.
“We appreciate the Senate’s interest in the safety of our schools because this is not only about protecting today’s students; it is about safeguarding the future of our country,” he said.
The minister acknowledged that government had identified areas requiring improvement, particularly in the timely release of funds to agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
According to him, efforts are underway to strengthen transparency and accountability mechanisms within the funding framework.
“We are fully committed to transparency. Where shortcomings exist, we will work with the National Assembly to correct them and strengthen our systems,” Oyedele said.
He also emphasised that government remains accountable for actions taken before changes in leadership.
“Government is a continuum. Once we accept public office, we also accept responsibility for the institutions we lead,” he added.
The committee subsequently moved proceedings into a closed-door session because of the sensitive security implications surrounding the programme.
The Senate is expected to continue reviewing documents and evidence submitted during the hearing before presenting its final recommendations on the management and implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative.
