The Ondo State Government has inaugurated a steering committee to drive the implementation of the Safe Schools Programme, as part of efforts to shield students and educational institutions from kidnappings and other security threats.
The move comes amid growing concerns over attacks on schools across the country, with the State pledging stronger collaboration among security agencies and key stakeholders to safeguard learning environments.
The Safe Schools Initiative is a Federal Government programme established to protect students, teachers and educational facilities from violence, kidnappings and other forms of attacks.
Speaking at the inauguration of the committee in Akure on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Igbekele Ajibefun, said the committee was created to provide strategic direction, coordinate stakeholders and oversee the effective implementation of the programme in the State.
According to the Commissioner, the committee comprises representatives of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Amotekun Corps, religious and traditional leaders, as well as the Parents-Teachers Association.
Charging members of the committee, Ajibefun, who also serves as its Chairman, urged them to approach the assignment with dedication and commitment.
“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,” he said.
Ajibefun stressed that the success of the initiative depends on the active participation of all stakeholders, noting that security is a collective responsibility that requires vigilance, preparedness, resilience and coordinated action.
He further urged members to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, integrity and a strong sense of purpose.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Akindele Ige, who also serves as Secretary of the committee, said its establishment was a direct response to the increasing security threats facing schools.
According to Ige, recent attacks on educational institutions have highlighted the urgent need for deliberate, coordinated and sustained measures to protect students, teachers and school infrastructure across Ondo State.
He maintained that a secure environment is essential for quality education, declaring, “No meaningful teaching can take place where there is fear, and no effective learning can occur where there is insecurity.”
