The Ondo State Government has inaugurated a steering committee to implement the Safe Schools Programme as part of efforts to strengthen security across educational institutions and safeguard students from kidnapping and other criminal activities.
The committee was inaugurated in Akure on Tuesday by the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Igbekele Ajibefun, who described the initiative as a critical step towards improving safety in schools across the state.
Ajibefun explained that the committee was established to provide strategic direction, coordinate stakeholders, and oversee the implementation of measures to protect learners, teachers and educational facilities from security threats.
The Safe Schools Initiative, a federal government programme, was created to shield schools from violence, abductions and other forms of attacks that have increasingly affected educational institutions in parts of the country.
According to the commissioner, the committee brings together key stakeholders from various sectors, including representatives of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Amotekun Corps, religious leaders, traditional rulers and the Parents-Teachers Association.
Addressing members at the inauguration, Ajibefun, who chairs the committee, urged them to take their responsibilities seriously and work collectively towards ensuring safer learning environments.
“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.
The commissioner stressed that the success of the programme would depend largely on the commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders involved.
He noted that security remains a collective responsibility that requires vigilance, preparedness, resilience and coordinated action.
Ajibefun therefore charged members of the committee to carry out their duties with dedication, integrity and a strong sense of purpose.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and Secretary of the committee, Akindele Ige, said the establishment of the body was informed by growing security concerns around schools.
Ige observed that recent attacks on educational institutions across the country had underscored the need for deliberate, coordinated and sustained efforts to protect students, teachers and school infrastructure.
He maintained that a secure environment remains essential for effective teaching and learning.
“No meaningful teaching can take place where there is fear, and no effective learning can occur where there is insecurity,” Ige stated.
The state government expressed confidence that the committee would play a vital role in strengthening school security and ensuring that educational institutions remain safe spaces for learning and development.
