The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has voiced concern that Nigeria’s Safe School Initiative is being abandoned. National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the program, which was created to strengthen security around learning environments and prevent the abduction of schoolchildren, has been neglected. He made these remarks while briefing the press on the resolutions adopted at the party’s meeting in Abuja, chaired by National Chairman Senator David Mark.
Abdullahi acknowledged that the Safe School Initiative was not perfect, but it nonetheless demonstrated a commitment to safeguarding children. He lamented that this commitment has been abandoned and called on the government to show leadership in addressing the issue. The ADC spokesman also criticized several state governments for shutting down schools and sending children home instead of tackling the underlying security vulnerabilities. He warned that closing schools could embolden terrorists and urged the federal government to deploy Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel to unity schools across the country.
Emphasizing that protecting schools is a constitutional obligation, Abdullahi warned that continued inaction would exacerbate insecurity. As some schools remain closed due to security concerns, he cautioned that each day they stay shut gives terrorists confidence, heightens community anxiety, and erodes national stability. He called for decisive, transparent action to reopen and secure all affected schools promptly.
The ADC also extended congratulations to families and communities whose loved ones were recently rescued, including abducted worshippers in Kwara and schoolchildren in Kebbi State. The party’s concerns highlight the need for the government to prioritize the safety and education of Nigerian children, addressing underlying security issues to ensure schools remain safe environments for learning while balancing protection with the provision of education essential for the country’s future development.
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