The Federal Government has promised special attention to school security for the safety and security of students in the country.
National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu stated this on Wednesday during a Strategic Forum On Achieving Safer Schools organised by the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja.
The programme was themed, ‘Imperative for a safer teaching and learning environment for the future of Nigeria’s national development: the need for national collective action’.
It was aimed at strengthening synergy amongst security agencies towards tackling the myriads of security challenges including mass kidnapping in schools within the country.
According to Ribadu, “Undoubtedly, education has always been the cornerstone of progress in any society and as we strive to build a prosperous country for the future of our children and the generation yet unborn, it is critical that we prioritise the safety and security of our educational institutions at all levels.
“The administration of President Bola Tinubu pledged to work with both state and local government authorities to reform and retool the nation’s educational system by giving special attention to security of our schools, welfare and training of teachers and students.”
Ribadu, who was represented at the event by Major Gen A.M Dikko (rtd), said the invasion of schools by bandits and other armed persons has impacted on school enrolment in the country, especially in the northern region.
He tasked all the security agencies in the country on the need for intelligence gathering and sharing to curb the menace.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who was the host of the programme, said the Tinubu administration is determined to protect students and give them a safe learning environment.
