The Federal Government has appropriated a sum of N144 billion in the 2023 budget to protect schools from vandals and terrorism, this was disclosed by the Minister of finance, budget and National Planning Zainab Ahmed.
According to the Minister who spoke in Abuja at the launch of the National Plan on Financing Safe Schools-2023-2026, a total sum of N144.8 billion will be invested to protect schools across the country between 2023-2026.
Investors King understands that a number of schools have been targeted by terrorists in the Northeast and Northwest parts of Nigeria, leading to the adoption of hundreds of school children, especially girls.
In most cases, the kidnapped students spent months or years as was the case with the Chibok girls.
Similarly, in July 2022, several schools in Abuja and Nasarawa states shut down and sent students home due to the fear of terrorist attacks on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA) also directed the closure of all private schools in Abuja Thereby, leading to the disruption of their academic calendar.
Furthermore, the Federal Ministry of Education also ordered the immediate closure of one of its Unity Colleges, the Federal Government College Kwali, located in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Meanwhile, Zainab noted that out of the total funds required for the project, the FG has made a provision of N15 billion in the 2023 budget, leaving a funding gap of N13.6 billion in 2023, expected to be filled by state governments, agencies, the private sector, and development partners interested in supporting Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Director-general of the Department of State Service Yusuf Magaji Bichi said, in collaboration with sister agencies, the service will use all tactical and human assets to protect the schools from vandals and terrorists.
The DG of DSS further pledged that the service will ensure that all schools are safe for teaching and learning.
