The Ondo State Government has inaugurated a Safe Schools Steering Committee aimed at strengthening security across educational institutions and preventing attacks on schools within the state.
The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts by the state government to align with the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Programme, designed to improve the safety of learning environments amid rising security concerns affecting parts of the country.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, who also chairs the committee, said the move reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that schools remain safe spaces for teaching and learning.
He emphasized that quality education cannot be achieved without a secure environment for both students and teachers, noting that safety remains a critical foundation for academic development and institutional stability.
The newly inaugurated committee brings together key stakeholders including security chiefs, representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Muslim community, Parent-Teacher Associations, and other relevant stakeholders in the education and security sectors.
According to officials, the committee will focus on identifying vulnerable schools across the state and implementing preventive security measures aimed at reducing risks and improving emergency preparedness within the education system.
Key areas of focus include the promotion of perimeter fencing in schools, installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems, and the strengthening of surveillance and monitoring mechanisms within and around school environments.
The committee is also expected to work closely with local security networks, including community vigilante groups and hunters, to enhance rapid response capabilities in the event of security threats.
Other responsibilities include strengthening community partnerships around schools, conducting comprehensive school censuses, and ensuring proper documentation of individuals entering and leaving school premises.
Professor Ajibefun reiterated that collaboration among government agencies, security institutions, community leaders, and education stakeholders remains essential in achieving long-term safety for schools across Ondo State.
He noted that the Safe Schools Steering Committee would serve as a coordinating platform to ensure effective implementation of policies and security strategies designed to protect students, teachers, and school infrastructure.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to creating a safe and conducive learning environment, stressing that sustained investment in school security is vital to improving educational outcomes and building public confidence in the education system.
Authorities expressed optimism that the committee’s work will significantly reduce vulnerabilities in schools and contribute to the broader national effort to secure educational institutions across Nigeria.
