Fresh concerns have emerged over the safety of Nigerian students as the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate the spending of the Federal Government’s ₦145 billion Safe Schools Initiative fund.
The rights group wants authorities to determine whether funds earmarked for protecting schools across the country were properly utilised or allegedly diverted, mismanaged, or left unaccounted for.
According to SERAP, the call became necessary following reports that over 600 pupils and teachers were abducted in school-related attacks between March 2024 and May 2026, despite billions of naira reportedly allocated to improve school security nationwide.
In a statement signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged President Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and anti-corruption agencies to launch an independent investigation into the programme.
SERAP argued that recent incidents, including the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, have raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the Safe Schools Initiative.
The organisation said Nigerians deserve answers regarding how funds intended to secure schools were spent while attacks on educational institutions continue to occur across different parts of the country.
According to the group, any official found responsible for financial misconduct should face prosecution, while any missing public funds should be recovered and returned to government coffers.
SERAP also called on both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of abducted students and teachers and ensure justice for affected families.
The advocacy group stressed that insecurity in schools not only threatens lives but also discourages access to education, especially among vulnerable and low-income communities.
It further noted that Nigerian authorities have a constitutional duty to protect citizens and provide a safe environment for learning, warning that failure to address the allegations could result in legal action.
SERAP maintained that transparency and accountability are critical if public confidence in government programmes designed to protect children is to be restored.
