The Senate has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the implementation and funding of Nigeria’s Safe Schools Initiative, insisting that every Naira appropriated by the Federal Government and all donor funds released under the programme must be fully accounted for.
The probe, being conducted by the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Safe Schools Initiative and Safe Schools Financing, will examine billions of naira disbursed over the years under the initiative established following the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls to strengthen security in schools and protect students from terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, said the investigation is aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and prudent management of public funds, stressing that it is not intended to witch-hunt any individual or institution.
Speaking while receiving the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, and officials of the ministry at the National Assembly, Kalu commended the ministry for honouring the committee’s invitation.
MUST READ: New Police Commissioner Deployed To Osun Ahead of Gov’ship Poll
He reiterated the committee’s resolve to establish how all funds allocated to the initiative were utilised, irrespective of when they were disbursed or who administered the programme.
Responding, the Minister of Education acknowledged the Senate’s constitutional oversight responsibility and assured the committee of the ministry’s full cooperation.
Alausa explained that most of the financial transactions under investigation were carried out between five and seven years ago, before he assumed office.
He noted that the only significant disbursements made during his tenure were targeted interventions for the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies, with the funds managed through the Federal Ministry of Finance.
(Follow AIT News on WhatsApp, AfricaIndependentTV on YouTube, ait_online on Facebook and X (Formerly Twitter), and officialait on TikTok, Instagram and Threads)
(Editor: Roluke Ogundele)
