Safe Schools: Military, Initiative Deepen Collaboration to Protect Learning Environments
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has pledged the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s support for the Safe Schools Initiative to strengthen security in schools across the country.
Oluyede gave the assurance when the National Coordinator of the Initiative, Hajiya Halima Iliya, paid him a courtesy visit at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Initiative and the military to protect learning environments nationwide.
During the meeting, Iliya explained that the Safe Schools Initiative was established in 2014 following attacks on schools, particularly the abduction of 276 schoolchildren from Chibok, Borno State.
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She said the Initiative, domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Finance, coordinates efforts involving security agencies, government ministries, departments and agencies, development partners and civil society organisations to improve school safety.
Iliya said the visit was intended to brief the CDS on the Initiative’s activities, interventions and future plans, while exploring areas for deeper collaboration with the Armed Forces.
She also commiserated with the military over the recent air mishap that claimed the lives of Nigerian Air Force personnel and other Nigerians, describing the loss as painful and expressing appreciation for the sacrifices of military personnel.
In his response, Oluyede commended the Initiative’s leadership for its sustained efforts to protect education and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to supporting its activities.
He described the protection of schools and children as a critical national security priority and a shared responsibility.
The CDS assured the Initiative that the Defence Headquarters would continue to work with its leadership and other stakeholders to ensure that schools remain safe, secure and conducive to learning.
By PRNigeria
