The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to order an investigation into the implementation of the Federal Government’s ₦145 billion Safe Schools Initiative, alleging possible mismanagement or diversion of funds meant to protect schools across the country.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Thursday, SERAP said more than 600 pupils and teachers were reportedly abducted in school-related attacks across Nigeria between March 2024 and May 2026 despite the huge budgetary allocation for school security.
The organisation urged President Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, as well as relevant anti-corruption agencies, to investigate allegations that funds earmarked for the Safe Schools Initiative may be missing, mismanaged, or diverted.
According to SERAP, anyone found responsible should be prosecuted, while any misappropriated funds should be recovered.
The rights group also expressed concern over the recent abduction of dozens of students and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as evidence that many schools remain vulnerable to criminal attacks despite the billions of naira reportedly allocated for their protection.
SERAP called on President Tinubu and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to take urgent steps to secure the release of the abducted victims and ensure that those behind the attacks are arrested and brought to justice.
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“The reported abductions raise serious questions about the effectiveness, transparency and accountability of the Safe Schools Initiative,” the organisation stated, adding that allegations surrounding the management of the funds should be “urgently, thoroughly, independently and effectively investigated.”
SERAP further argued that corruption in education security threatens lives, undermines the right to education and disproportionately affects poor and vulnerable communities.
The organisation cited provisions of the 1999 Constitution, noting that the government has a duty to protect the lives, safety and welfare of citizens, as well as guarantee access to education and the protection of fundamental rights.
It also referenced Nigeria’s international obligations to safeguard children from abduction, violence and other human rights violations.
SERAP warned that it would consider legal action against Nigerian authorities if the recommended measures were not immediately implemented, insisting that accountability is necessary to prevent further attacks on students, teachers and educational institutions across the country.