Abuja: The Senate, through its Ad hoc Committee investigating the collapse of the Safe School Initiative, has summoned the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to appear before it next Tuesday. The committee, led by Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu (APC-Abia), is also set to summon other critical stakeholders including the Minister of Education, Mr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Mohammed Audi, and representatives of school proprietors.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the summoning follows the adoption of the committee’s work plan during its maiden meeting. At the inaugural sitting, Kalu briefed journalists on the committee’s commitment to unraveling the issues surrounding the initiative’s implementation and ensuring full accountability. He highlighted the alarming statistics of over 1,680 school children kidnapped and 180 educational facilities attacked since 2014, emphasizing the need for urgent action.
Kalu expressed that it is unacceptable for schools to remain vulnerable to attacks, despite significant investments and global support. He assured that the committee would meticulously track the allocated funds, including the $30 million mobilized between 2014 and 2021, as well as the latest N144 billion released by the Federal Government. The committee plans to conduct a comprehensive financial and operational audit, engaging federal ministries, state governments, security agencies, and civil society partners in the process.
The committee aims to guarantee that Nigerian parents can send their children to school without fear. Kalu reassured that the probe is not targeted at any individual or institution, but rather focused on enhancing accountability and transparency. Areas of investigation will include the utilization of funds allocated since 2014, the deployment and effectiveness of security personnel, early warning and emergency response systems, infrastructure upgrades in vulnerable schools, and partnerships with international donors and private-sector contributors.