Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across schools in the state, declaring that the safety of pupils and teachers remains a top priority.
Key Highlights:
Governor Makinde made the pledge on Wednesday, during a one-day seminar with the theme: “Building Resilient Schools: Strengthening Operational Capacity for Safety, Security and Child Protection in Oyo State Educational Institutions.”
Represented by the Head of Operations, Oyo State Security Trust Fund, Akin Oyedele, the governor said his administration is investing significantly in measures aimed at protecting educational institutions from criminal activities.
“The protection of children and teachers is non-negotiable amid rising security concerns nationwide,” he said.
Governor Makinde stressed that no school in the state would be allowed to become a soft target for criminal elements, noting that recent security challenges across the country have underscored the need for stakeholders to rethink strategies for safeguarding learning environments.
He also pledged the government’s readiness to provide the logistics and policy support required to implement recommendations from the seminar.
The governor called on security agencies, school administrators, communities, and other stakeholders to translate the seminar’s resolutions into practical actions through improved collaboration and rapid response mechanisms.
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Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olusegun Olayiwola, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bamidele Oyinloye, emphasized that ensuring school safety requires the involvement of all stakeholders.
She noted that security concerns must be addressed both within and outside school premises to guarantee a conducive learning environment.
Also speaking, the Oyo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Augustine Padonu, represented by Deputy Commandant Timothy Patunola, identified key vulnerabilities affecting schools.
These include inadequate perimeter fencing, unrestricted access to school compounds, poor security awareness, insufficient emergency preparedness, lack of surveillance infrastructure, and weak communication channels with security agencies.
The seminar was attended by NSCDC area commanders, regional officers, school administrators, security stakeholders, and development partners from across Oyo State.
