The Ondo State Government has inaugurated a 17-man steering committee for the Safe Schools Programme, a federal initiative designed to shield and protect students and educators from attacks, kidnappings, and hazards across educational institutions in the state.
Multi-Agency Coalition Formed
The committee, unveiled at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology's Conference Hall, brought together a multi-agency coalition including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, religious and traditional rulers, and the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA). The move, according to the state government, became imperative following the growing and increasing security crisis threatening the future of education.
Commissioner's Charge to Committee
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in the state, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, who serves as chairman of the committee, charged members of the committee to provide direction and enhance coordination among stakeholders. Ajibefun emphasised that the committee was specifically inaugurated to carry out responsibilities that would strengthen mechanisms to prevent security threats in educational institutions.
The commissioner emphasised that the success of the initiative rests on active participation from all stakeholders, explaining that security is a shared responsibility requiring vigilance, preparedness, resilience, and collective action. He admonished members to discharge their duties with diligence, commitment, integrity, and a strong sense of purpose.
“You are to support the implementation of the Safe Schools Programme and strengthen mechanisms to prevent security threats in the educational institutions of the state,” Ajibefun stated.
Permanent Secretary's Remarks
On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Akindele Ige, who also serves as secretary of the committee, stated that the establishment of the committee is a direct response to the growing security threats targeting schools in the state. He noted that recent attacks have reinforced the need for deliberate, coordinated, and sustained efforts to protect students, educators, and school infrastructure. Ige affirmed that no meaningful teaching can take place where there is fear, and no effective learning can occur where there is insecurity.
Proposed Security Measures
Following the conclusion of the inaugural meeting, the steering committee proposed immediate security measures, including the provision of closed-circuit television cameras in schools with particular focus on institutions in remote and border areas, construction of secure perimeter fencing around school compounds, and provision of dedicated emergency security hotlines for rapid response.
