Ondo State has inaugurated a steering committee on Safe School.
The committee is to find ways of securing the schools in the state against intrusion by hoodlums.
In his address at the ceremony, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun said that education remains the foundation of sustainable development, which can only thrive in an environment where learners and teachers are safe and well protected
According to him, the state of insecurity in Nigeria, Ondo State in particular, calls for proactiveness cum strengthened collaboration among all stakeholders.
He added that establishment of the state steering committee reflects the committement of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to the protection of lives and properties in Ondo State Schools.
Ajibefun further elucidated that the initiative goes beyond securing physical infrastructure to include creating an enabling environment where every child in the state will be able to learn, grow and achieve his or her full potential without any fear.
Explaining what the initiative represents, Ajibefun explained that the School Safe Initiative represents a strategic investment in the future of the state, by safeguarding schools.
“We are protecting the aspirations of our children, strengthening public confidence in the education system and laying a solid foundation for sustainable development.”
He explained that, the committee being inaugurated carries a critical responsibility to provide strategic direction, enhance coordination among stakeholders, to support the implementation of Save School programmes and strengthen mechanisms for preventing and responding to security threats in educational institutions.
He added that, while the government will continue to provide leadership and necessary supports, the success of the initiative depend largely on the active participation of all stakeholders, including communities, parents, school based management committees and security agencies.
He said that School safety is a shared responsibility that requires vigilance, preparedness, resilience and collective action.
He urged inaugurated members of the committee to discharge their duties with diligence, commitment, integrity and a strong sense of purpose.
Earlier, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Akindele Ige descrined the establishment of the committee as a proactive response to the growing security concerns across the nation.
He explained that recent developments have reinforced the need for deliberate coordinated and sustained efforts to protect schools, learners, teachers and educational infrastructure in Ondo State.
He appreciated Ajibefun for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitments to the safety and well-being of the education sector
According to Ige, the initiative aimed at ensuring that Ondo State Schools remain secure, conducive and in a supportive environment for teaching and learning.
He said no meaningful teaching can take place where there is fear and no effective learning can occur where there is insecurity.
During the interractive section, it was suggested that communities should undertake census. It was also suggested that CCTV camera should be installed in Schools particularly those in remote or border areas.
In addition, there were suggestions for perimeter fencing, construction of schools gate, dedicated telephone lines, involving Okada riders, transporters, and mechanics, among others in intelligence gathering.
It was also suggested that vulnerable schools should be identified and their needs should be looked into.
The involvement of local hunters, including the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) should be taken very importantly.
