The Senate, on Wednesday, summoned the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to appear before its ad-hoc committee probing the collapse of the Safe School Initiative (SSI).
Edun is expected to appear next Tuesday following the adoption of the committee’s work plan at its inaugural meeting.
Addressing journalists after the maiden sitting, Chairman of the committee, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), said the Senate was determined to unravel all issues surrounding the failed programme and ensure full transparency in the use of funds.
Kalu described the continued targeting of schools by terrorists and bandits as “unacceptable for a nation committed to education and child safety,” revealing that at least 1,680 schoolchildren have been kidnapped and 180 educational facilities attacked since 2014.
Kalu stressed that the probe is not a witch-hunt but an effort to strengthen accountability and restore confidence in the initiative.
The committee will conduct a comprehensive financial and operational audit, Utilisation of funds allocated since 2014, Deployment and effectiveness of security personnel, Early warning and emergency response systems and infrastructure upgrades in high-risk schools
The investigation follows renewed public outrage after the abduction of 25 female students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, and the kidnapping of more than 200 students at St. Mary Catholic School in Niger State.
