The Senate has inaugurated a 13-member ad-hoc committee to probe all funds allocated to the Safe Schools Initiative (SSI) by the Federal Government and its international partners, amid growing concerns over the programme’s effectiveness.
The investigative panel is expected to carry out a detailed audit of the multi-billion-naira initiative, which was created to protect schools from attacks but has produced limited results despite continuous mass abductions across the country.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North) will chair the committee, while Senator Sahabi Yau (APC, Zamfara North) serves as Vice Chairman. Other members include:
- Senator Tony Nwoye (LP, Anambra North)
- Senator Oluranti Idiat (APC, Lagos West)
- Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South)
- Senator Banigo Ipalibo (PDP, Rivers West)
- Senator Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central)
- Senator Mustapha Saliu (APC, Kwara Central)
- Senator Diket Plang (APC, Plateau Central)
- Senator Binos Yaroe (PDP, Adamawa South)
- Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan (APC, Borno Central)
- Senator Abdulhamid Madori (APC, Jigawa North East)
- Senator Maidoki Garba (APC, Kebbi South)
The Senate granted the committee four weeks to submit its findings.
The Safe Schools Initiative was launched in May 2014 after the abduction of over 300 Chibok schoolgirls in Borno State. The programme, introduced by former President Goodluck Jonathan with support from the United Nations, Nigerian business leaders, and global education advocate Gordon Brown, was designed to improve school security, enhance community-based protection, and safeguard institutions in high-risk regions.
HEED: Follow us on Instagram or any other social media platform and get the most reliable news directly in your favourite app!
However, attacks on schools have continued, including last week’s assault on Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, where gunmen murdered the vice principal and abducted 25 students.
The Senate’s action follows an urgent motion by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (APC, Kebbi North), who demanded accountability for the billions released over the years, stressing that frequent school kidnappings show the initiative is not delivering on its mandate.
NaijaBlogDaily# is visible on all social media platforms, bringing you the latest Nigerian news on politics, economy, entertainment, and celebrity updates. Including sports across Nigeria and beyond…
Keep visiting and following up with us on any social media platform you are using to keep you updated 💯
Remember (information brings knowledge and power).
STAY TUNED!!!
