Senate expands Safe Schools probe to TETFund, NELFUND, UBEC, others

The Senate has broadened its inquiry into the implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative (SSI) to include the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA). This expansion follows a motion introduced by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, chairman of the ad hoc committee overseeing the SSI investigation. The Senate has granted the committee an additional three weeks to complete its work. The decision came during a session in Abuja, where Kalu invoked Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Orders, 2026 (as amended), to justify the need for a revised scope. He argued that initial findings revealed overlapping responsibilities among multiple agencies regarding education funding, student welfare, and social programs. Without considering these entities, he claimed, the committee could not offer a thorough evaluation of factors influencing school security and educational interventions. Kalu stated that the SSI's success depends on the coordination of various federal bodies. He emphasized that student safety, infrastructure funding, and support for vulnerable learners are interconnected issues requiring unified scrutiny. By expanding the investigation, the committee aims to ensure a more holistic understanding of how resources are managed and how policies affect educational outcomes. The new terms of reference require the committee to analyze financial flows, operational difficulties, and accountability measures associated with the SSI and the included agencies. It will also evaluate programs such as school feeding, emergency aid for displaced students, and educational rehabilitation efforts led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and NSIPA. Additionally, the committee will scrutinize TETFund-funded infrastructure and security projects, assess NELFUND’s loan disbursement procedures, and review UBEC’s role in primary education. Kalu noted that the committee had not yet completed visits to certain key locations due to its heavy workload and other legislative duties. He requested the Senate’s approval to extend the investigation period, explaining that four major areas remained unaddressed. After a voice vote, the Senate agreed to grant the committee an extra three weeks to finalize its findings and present a comprehensive report. The committee was originally formed in December 2025 to examine the SSI, which was launched in 2014 following the Chibok schoolgirl abduction in Borno State. The initiative, backed by the federal government, international partners, and the private sector, seeks to enhance school security, especially in regions affected by conflict. The current probe focuses on how funds have been utilized and whether interventions have effectively improved safety conditions nationwide. With the expanded mandate, the Senate hopes to gain deeper insights into the performance of educational and humanitarian programs. The investigation is expected to highlight gaps in resource allocation and policy execution, ultimately contributing to better strategies for safeguarding students and supporting their academic progress. The outcome of this extended review will likely influence future policymaking and resource distribution within the education and social investment sectors.