The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on President Bola Tinubu to order an immediate investigation into the alleged diversion and mismanagement of N145bn earmarked for the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Initiative.
The group said the call became imperative following persistent attacks on schools and the abduction of over 600 pupils and teachers across the country between March 2024 and May 2026, despite huge budgetary allocations to safeguard educational institutions.
In a statement on Thursday signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged the President to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), alongside anti-corruption agencies, to thoroughly investigate the utilisation of the funds.
The organisation said, “We urge President Tinubu to immediately direct the Attorney General and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations that the N145bn Safe Schools Initiative funds are missing, diverted or mismanaged.
“Anyone found culpable should be prosecuted, while any missing funds should be fully recovered.”
SERAP expressed concern that the continued wave of school abductions reflects a failure of accountability and effectiveness in the implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative.
It specifically cited the recent abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as evidence of the vulnerability of schools despite claims of significant government spending on security.
The group also urged both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of the abducted victims, bring perpetrators to justice, and ensure adequate support and compensation for affected families.
According to SERAP, the pattern of attacks raises serious questions about transparency in the management of funds meant to protect students and teachers nationwide.
“Corruption in the education sector, particularly in security funding, endangers lives, undermines the right to education, and disproportionately affects poor and vulnerable communities,” the statement added.
The organisation further stressed that Nigerian authorities are bound by constitutional and international obligations to protect citizens, especially children, from violence and ensure access to safe education.
It referenced provisions of the 1999 Constitution, noting that government at all levels must prioritise the security and welfare of citizens, including safeguarding schools from attacks.
SERAP warned that it would initiate legal action against the government if its recommendations were not promptly implemented.
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