Nigeria establishes Safe Schools Department within Education Ministry

The Federal Government of Nigeria has upgraded the Safe Schools Initiative by creating a full‑fledged Safe Schools Department inside the Federal Ministry of Education. announced by Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa during a session with the Senate Ad‑hoc Committee on the Safe Schools Initiative, the new department replaces the former Safe Schools Financing Unit that was housed in the Ministry of Finance. It will provide strategic leadership, coordination and oversight of school‑safety programmes across all 774 local government areas, working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces, the Police and the Security and Civil Defence Corps. The initiative now integrates perimeter fencing, solar lighting, water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, surveillance technology, trained security personnel, early‑warning systems and stronger monitoring and accountability mechanisms. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability for funds, including international grants and foreign donations, that were disbursed before his appointment.