The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has received commendation from the Senate for his commitment to accountability and parliamentary oversight.
This came as the Federal Government announced a major restructuring of the Safe Schools Initiative to cover all 774 Local Government Areas.
The commendation came during an interactive session on Sunday with the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Safe Schools Initiative, which reviewed the implementation of the programme, including the use of appropriated funds, international grants and other external support.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, described Dr. Alausa as a public servant who has consistently demonstrated respect for constitutional institutions by honouring National Assembly invitations and engaging constructively with lawmakers.
Senator Kalu also praised the Minister’s ongoing reforms in the education sector, describing them as “bold initiatives” strengthening Nigeria’s education system and contributing to national development.
Responding, Dr. Alausa, in a statement by Ikharo Attah, Special Adviser on Media and Communications, said funds under review, including international grants and donations, were disbursed several years before his appointment, when the Safe Schools Financing Unit was domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Finance.
“Government is a continuum. We have a responsibility to account to Nigerians for how public resources have been managed, and we will continue to cooperate fully with the distinguished Senate in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities,” the Minister said.
Dr. Alausa disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Education has now established a full-fledged Safe Schools Department to provide strategic leadership and oversight nationwide.
According to him, the new department replaces the former unit with a stronger institutional structure.
The Minister added that the Ministry is working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser, DSS, Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC and other agencies to develop a comprehensive national framework for safer schools.
"School safety cannot be handled in a fragmented manner," Dr. Alausa said.
"While our security agencies will continue to perform their constitutional responsibilities, the Federal Ministry of Education will provide policy direction, coordinate implementation with states and ensure that every school benefits from the programme."
The Minister explained that the renewed initiative goes beyond physical security to include:
Surveillance technology and trained security personnel
Technology-driven early warning systems and monitoring mechanisms
Stronger collaboration with state governments, local communities and security agencies
He said the establishment of the dedicated department reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring every Nigerian child, from basic to tertiary level, has access to a safe and conducive learning environment.
Dr. Alausa thanked the Senate Ad-hoc Committee for its engagement and assured Nigerians that the Ministry will continue to provide leadership and strategic partnerships to build a more resilient education system.