The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct an immediate investigation into the alleged mismanagement, diversion, or disappearance of funds allocated under the Federal Government’s ₦145 billion Safe Schools Initiative.
The organisation’s demand follows reports that more than 600 pupils and teachers were abducted in school-related attacks across Nigeria between March 2024 and May 2026, despite significant government spending aimed at improving school security.
In a statement, SERAP urged the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), alongside relevant anti-corruption agencies, to investigate allegations surrounding the management of the Safe Schools Initiative funds.
The organisation stressed that anyone found culpable should be prosecuted and any missing funds recovered.
SERAP also expressed concern over the recent abduction of dozens of students and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as evidence that schools across the country remain vulnerable to criminal attacks despite the billions reportedly allocated for their protection.
The group called on President Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to take urgent steps to secure the safe release of the abducted students and teachers, while ensuring that those responsible for the attacks are arrested and prosecuted.
According to SERAP, victims and their families should be granted access to justice and effective remedies.
The organisation further argued that the continued attacks on schools raise serious concerns about the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of the Safe Schools Initiative. It maintained that allegations of mismanagement of funds earmarked for the protection of schoolchildren must be independently and thoroughly investigated, with the findings made public.
“Corruption in education security puts lives at risk, undermines every child’s right to education, and disproportionately affects poor and vulnerable communities,” the statement said.
SERAP noted that Nigerian authorities have constitutional and international legal obligations to protect children from abduction, violence, and other human rights violations.
The organisation cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, as well as Section 33, which guarantees the right to life.
It also referenced Section 34, which protects the dignity of the human person, and constitutional provisions requiring governments at all levels to promote adequate educational opportunities.
SERAP warned that it may initiate legal action against the authorities if the recommended measures are not implemented promptly.
The group urged government officials to act swiftly to ensure accountability, strengthen school security, and prevent further attacks on students, teachers, and educational institutions across the country.
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