The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called for a Safe Schools Funds Probe into the N145 billion Safe Schools Initiative. The group urged President Bola Tinubu to order an investigation into allegations that the funds may have been diverted, mismanaged, or left unaccounted for. The call comes amid renewed concerns over school abductions across Nigeria between March 2024 and May 2026.
SERAP said the request was prompted by reports indicating that more than 600 pupils and teachers were abducted in school-related attacks during the period under review. The organisation stated that these incidents occurred despite the implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative designed to improve security in educational institutions nationwide. The rights group noted that recent abductions in Oyo State, where dozens of students were taken from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, further highlighted persistent vulnerabilities in the education sector.
In a statement signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP called on the President to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), as well as relevant anti-corruption agencies, to investigate the utilisation of the funds.
“We call on President Bola Tinubu to urgently direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations that the ₦145 billion Safe Schools Initiative funds are missing, mismanaged, or diverted,” the statement read.
SERAP added, “Anyone found responsible should be brought to justice, and any missing funds fully recovered.” The organisation said the recurring abductions raise serious concerns about the effectiveness of the programme. It also questioned the transparency and accountability mechanisms guiding the Safe Schools Initiative.
“The reported abductions raise serious questions about the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of the Safe Schools Initiative,” SERAP stated. It added that findings from any investigation should be made public. SERAP further referenced constitutional provisions under Sections 14, 33, and 34 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee security, life, and dignity, as well as the obligation to provide access to education.
“These provisions require authorities to take effective steps to protect students, teachers, and educational institutions from violence, abductions, and other threats that undermine access to education and the enjoyment of fundamental rights,” the group said. The organisation also warned that it may seek legal action if the recommendations are not implemented, stating: “We’ll see Nigerian authorities in court if the recommended measures are not immediately implemented.”
The call for a Safe Schools Funds Probe adds renewed scrutiny to government spending on education security. It raises questions about the effectiveness of interventions meant to protect schools from repeated attacks. The situation also highlights broader concerns about accountability in public funding and the safety of learning environments across Nigeria. Stakeholders are expected to intensify calls for transparency and improved oversight of security-related expenditures.
