The Nigerian Senate has broadened its ongoing investigation into the Safe Schools Initiative (SSI) to include key education funding and intervention agencies, including the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and others.
This expansion of the ad-hoc committee’s mandate, chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), aims to ensure comprehensive accountability for funds allocated to enhance school security and overall education sector resilience amid persistent attacks on educational institutions and concerns over resource utilization.
The probe, initially focused on the utilization of approximately ₦15 billion disbursed in 2023 for the Safe Schools Initiative along with earlier international and domestic contributions totaling over $30 million now encompasses broader education funding streams. Lawmakers seek to verify how resources from these agencies have supported or intersected with school safety measures, infrastructure development, and student protection efforts.
Senator Kalu emphasized that the Senate remains committed to tracking every naira allocated to protect Nigerian children. “Schools must no longer be soft targets. We will examine all relevant agencies to identify gaps, ensure transparency, and recommend actionable reforms that deliver real security and value for public funds,” he stated.
The Safe Schools Initiative was launched in 2014 following the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction to safeguard learning environments through security deployments, infrastructure upgrades, and community engagement. Despite significant investments, including a planned ₦144 billion national framework for 2023–2026, incidents of abductions and attacks have continued, prompting public and legislative demands for answers.
The expanded inquiry will scrutinize fund releases, project execution, contractor performance, consultancy expenditures, and alignment with core objectives across TETFund, NELFUND, UBEC, and related bodies. The committee has summoned relevant officials and ordered detailed reconciliations of expenditures, records from the Central Bank of Nigeria Trust Fund, and evidence of impact on school safety.
This move underscores the Senate’s determination to strengthen oversight in the education sector, promote efficient use of public resources, and restore confidence in Nigeria’s ability to secure its future leaders. The ad-hoc committee is expected to submit comprehensive findings and recommendations to the full Senate in due course.