The National Coordinator of the Safe Schools Initiative, Hajiya Halima Iliya, has sought stronger collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria to enhance the security of schools and protect pupils and students across the country.
Iliya made the call during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, the visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Safe Schools Initiative and the military in addressing security threats to educational institutions.
Speaking during the visit, Iliya said the initiative was established in 2014 following major attacks on schools across Nigeria, particularly the abduction of 276 schoolchildren from Chibok, Borno State, which attracted widespread national and international attention.
She explained that the initiative, domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Finance, coordinates the efforts of security agencies, relevant ministries, departments and agencies, development partners and civil society organisations to ensure the safety and security of schools.
The National Coordinator said the visit was intended to familiarise the Chief of Defence Staff with the initiative’s activities, interventions and future plans, while exploring opportunities for deeper collaboration with the Armed Forces.
Iliya also expressed condolences to the CDS and the entire Armed Forces over the recent air mishap that claimed the lives of Nigerian Air Force personnel and other distinguished Nigerians.
She described the incident as painful and reaffirmed the nation’s appreciation for the sacrifices and services of military personnel in the discharge of their duties.
In his response, Oluyede commended the leadership of the Safe Schools Initiative for its sustained commitment to protecting educational institutions.
The CDS assured the National Coordinator of the Armed Forces’ full cooperation and support, stressing that safeguarding schools and children remained a critical national security priority and a shared responsibility.
He further reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to working with the initiative’s leadership and other stakeholders to ensure that schools across the country remained safe, secure and conducive to learning.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen efforts to protect educational facilities and create a safer learning environment for children across Nigeria.
