The Federal Government has vowed to beef up security across primary, secondary and tertiary schools nationwide, saying the learning environment must be safe for students.

It called on the parents, guardians and teachers to be part of the efforts being made to safeguard the schools and advance the Safe Schools Initiative in order to protect the children.

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), made this pledge at the Ministry’s headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday, while playing host to the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN).

Daily Trust reports that there have been concerns over the safety of schools in recent years following repeated cases of attacks and kidnappings of students and teachers by bandits and other criminal groups in parts of the country.

These incidents, which occurred in Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kwara and a few other States have disrupted academic activities and heightened anxiety among parents and education stakeholders.

Speaking shortly after receiving an award from NAPTAN leadership, Musa said the Federal Government would continue to work with parents, teachers and other stakeholders to protect students.

The retired top military officer, while noting that education cannot thrive without adequate security, said, “Without security, there will not be a good learning environment. We will continue to work seriously to ensure that our schools are safe.

“Let us continue to work hand-in-hand, parents, teachers, government, and society, to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their fullest potentials.”

The defence minister described parents and teachers as critical partners in nation-building, stressing that proper education and discipline were essential to producing responsible citizens and preventing social instability.

Speaking earlier, the President of NAPTAN, Haruna Danjuma, said the minister’s appointment was a testament to his years of service and commitment to national security, particularly his role in initiating the Safe Schools Programme while serving as Chief of Defence Staff.

He said the initiative had reassured parents and encouraged school attendance amid security challenges, especially threats of kidnapping and attacks on educational institutions.

According to the association, parents across the country had benefited from improved security measures around vulnerable schools, adding that the award was meant to encourage the minister to sustain and expand such efforts.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwah, also commended the minister’s leadership, describing the award as recognition of his dedication to protecting both national security and the future of Nigerian children.

He said the Ministry would continue to collaborate with education stakeholders to ensure that security and education progressed hand in hand. (Daily Trust)