Defence Minister Pledges to Strengthen School Security Nationwide

Defence Minister Pledges to Strengthen School Security Nationwide

Abuja — The Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa (retd.), has pledged to enhance security around schools across Nigeria to ensure a safe and conducive environment for learning. The commitment was made while the minister received an award from the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) for his role in safeguarding schools and advancing the Safe Schools Initiative.

Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja, Gen Musa emphasized the crucial link between education and security, noting that “without security, there will not be a good learning environment.” He called for collaboration among parents, teachers, government, and communities to protect students and enable them to reach their fullest potential.

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“This award will strengthen my resolve to continue implementing policies and initiatives that improve teaching and learning, provide safe and inclusive environments for our children, empower teachers with resources and training, and foster stronger collaboration between schools, parents, and communities,” he said.

Gen Musa described parents and teachers as essential partners in nation-building, stressing that proper education and discipline are vital to producing responsible citizens and preventing social instability.

NAPTAN President Haruna Danjuma commended the minister’s appointment and highlighted his leadership in the Safe Schools Programme, which has reassured parents and encouraged school attendance amid threats such as kidnappings and attacks on educational institutions.

The award recognized the tangible impact of improved school security measures, with benefits reaching parents and students nationwide. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, also lauded the minister’s dedication, affirming that the ministry would continue collaborating with educational stakeholders to ensure security and education advance hand in hand.

Concerns over school safety have intensified in recent years due to repeated attacks on students and teachers by bandits and criminal groups in parts of Nigeria. These incidents have disrupted academic activities and heightened anxiety among parents, making initiatives like Safe Schools critical for the country’s educational and social stability.

Defence Minister Pledges to Strengthen School Security Nationwide