El Senado extiende el plazo del panel para la investigación del Programa de Escuelas Seguras de $30 millones

The Senate has extended the deadline for its ad hoc committee investigating the spending of more than $30 million allocated to Nigeria’s Safe Schools Programme by two weeks. The decision came during a session on Tuesday, as lawmakers sought to broaden the committee’s mandate to include scrutiny of education-related funds managed by several key institutions, including the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). The extension also covers funds administered by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA). The 13-member ad hoc committee was formed on 27 November 2025 following a motion by Senator Abdullahi Yahaya (APC, Kebbi North), who expressed concerns over the increasing number of student kidnappings and attacks on schools and places of worship nationwide. Initially tasked with submitting its findings within four weeks, the committee has now been given additional time due to the complexity of its expanded responsibilities and logistical challenges. The delay comes amid ongoing reports of violence targeting educational institutions, which have persisted despite substantial government investment in security measures. Senator Orji Kalu, the committee chairman representing Abia North Senatorial District, argued that the investigation into the Safe Schools Programme could not be considered complete without examining the operations of federal agencies overseeing education funding, student welfare, humanitarian aid, and social interventions. He emphasized that the interconnected nature of these programs meant that a narrow focus on the Safe Schools Initiative alone would lead to fragmented oversight. “Investigating the Safe Schools Initiative without reviewing these complementary bodies will result in fragmented legislative oversight,” Kalu stated during discussions. Kalu also noted that recent primary elections held by political parties had hindered the committee’s ability to conduct inspections in certain regions. “There are some areas we haven’t covered. Party nominations have affected us, and it made it impossible for us to go to places we’re supposed to go,” he explained. These obstacles contributed to the need for an extension, allowing the committee to ensure thorough examination of all relevant aspects of the program. The motion for the extension was put to a vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who subsequently approved it and granted the committee additional weeks to finalize its report. The approval reflects broader concerns about the effectiveness of current security measures and the need for greater transparency in the allocation and management of public funds intended for educational protection. Nigeria continues to face severe security threats, with frequent incidents of kidnapping, armed attacks, and violent assaults on communities, schools, and places of worship. On 17 November 2025, terrorists armed with advanced weaponry attacked Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, abducting 25 students, killing the school’s vice principal, and injuring a local security officer. The students were eventually released on 23 November. Earlier that month, on 19 November, attackers targeted the Christ Apostolic Church in Oke Igan, Kwara State, resulting in the deaths of three worshippers and the abduction of 38 others. All the victims were later freed. These incidents highlight the urgent need for improved security protocols and accountability in the management of resources aimed at protecting educational institutions. As the committee works to expand its inquiry, the outcomes of its investigation may provide critical insights into the effectiveness of existing initiatives and inform future policy decisions aimed at safeguarding both students and educational infrastructure.