The Senate has opened a comprehensive investigation into the Safe Schools Initiative (SSI), the national security and education programme launched in 2014 to enhance protection for students and learning environments following the abduction of over 300 schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State.
The probe, initiated by fresh concerns over continued attacks on schools and mass abductions despite significant investments, will be led by an 18-member ad hoc committee chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North).
As part of the inquiry, the committee has summoned the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Alausa; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa; the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi; state governors; civil society partners; and representatives of school proprietors.
They are expected to provide detailed testimonies and documentation on the funding, implementation, and impact of the SSI.
