The Senate has constituted an 18-member Ad Hoc Committee to investigate the implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative, appointing former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Kalu, as Chairman.
Other members include Senators Tony Nwoye, Yemi Adaramodu, Harry Ipalibo, Ede Dafinone, Mustapha Saliu, Diket Plang, Binus Yaroe, Kaka Shehu, and Musa Garba Maidoki, among others.
The committee was established following a Senate resolution calling for a comprehensive review of the initiative, amid growing concerns over the utilisation of allocated funds and ongoing terrorist attacks on educational institutions across the country.
The urgency intensified after the deadly raid on Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, where gunmen killed the vice principal and abducted 25 students. The motion for the committee was further reinforced by additional prayers raised by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Mandated to conduct an in-depth investigation, the committee is expected to report back to the Senate within four weeks.
The resolution comes amid escalating security challenges, as terrorists continue to target schools. Recently, gunmen attacked St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, abducting over 300 children and teachers. Similar incidents have been reported in Kwara, Kano, and Borno states.
The investigation was triggered by an urgent motion sponsored by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (APC, Kebbi North), seeking accountability for funds allocated to the Safe Schools Initiative despite the persistence of attacks on educational institutions.
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