The Safe Schools Project was launched after the 2014 Chibok abduction of 276 schoolgirls in Borno State, aimed at preventing future attacks on students. The project was initially funded with over $30 million from the Federal Government, foreign donors, and international organizations.

Recently, the Senate set up an Ad Hoc Committee, led by Senator Orji Kalu, to probe how the funds have been utilized, especially allocations to security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, DSS, Defence Headquarters, and the Federal Ministry of Education.

Key points from the hearing:

• N15 billion was released by the Federal Government in 2023:
  • Nigeria Police: N6.225bn
  • NSCDC: N3.362bn
  • DSS: Not publicly stated
  • Defence HQ: N2.25bn
  • Federal Ministry of Education: N519m
• Concerns raised:
  • Nearly half of previous funding cycles were reportedly spent on consultancy and operational costs rather than core Safe Schools projects.
  • Senator Oluranti Idiat questioned why so much was spent on consultancy instead of direct safety measures.
  • Senator Musa Maidoki suggested funding should be conditional on performance and localized to communities.
  • Senator Kenneth Eze raised alarms about potential misappropriation and lack of clarity in financial reporting.
• Response from Hajia Halima Iliya, National Coordinator of Financing Safe Schools in Nigeria:
  • Clarified that 2023 funding was distinct from earlier funding cycles and documents referencing prior consultancy spending were from 2014, not 2023.
  • Explained that there was no budget allocation for 2024 and 2025, as the request reached the President too late.

The Senate Committee demanded full reconciliation of all financial records, including contractor details, fund flows, and documentation from the CBN Trust Fund. The outcome of the review is expected to determine accountability and future budget allocations.

The issue has sparked public concern over transparency, proper use of funds, and the effectiveness of the Safe Schools Project, as Nigeria continues to face threats to student safety.