Nigeria’s Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele has emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety of schools across the country, describing it as a shared responsibility that requires collaboration among all levels of government and the public.
Speaking with newsmen on efforts to address insecurity affecting educational institutions, Oyedele said protecting schools is critical to enabling students and teachers to learn and work in a safe and peaceful environment.
“The safety of our schools is a priority for all of us,” the minister said. “Students must be able to attend school, learn effectively, and have peace of mind, alongside their teachers.”
He noted that responsibility for school security extends beyond a single institution, involving state governments, federal ministries, security agencies, and other stakeholders.
According to him, agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Education all have roles to play in addressing the challenge.
Oyedele explained that the issue is not about which government body controls the budget but rather about ensuring that adequate funding is available and released promptly to support preventive security measures.
“By law, the Ministry of Finance manages certain government funds and interventions because it serves as the nation’s accountant through the Office of the Accountant General,” he said.
“What is most important is ensuring that funding is sufficient and disbursed on time so that crimes can be prevented rather than responding after the damage has been done.”
The minister acknowledged that insecurity cannot be completely eliminated through funding alone but stressed that timely investment in security measures can help reduce risks and prevent incidents.
He also urged the media and the public to support government efforts to tackle insecurity, warning against narratives that may inadvertently strengthen the position of criminals and terrorist groups.
According to Oyedele, some citizens unintentionally amplify the activities of criminals by spreading their messages while questioning government actions, including rescue operations and security interventions.
“It is in our collective interest to come together as a people and confront insecurity in all its forms,” he said.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to strengthen school safety and improve national security outcomes.
