The National Coordinator of the Safe Schools Initiative, Hajiya Halima Iliya, has emphasized the urgent need for a stronger partnership with the Armed Forces of Nigeria to bolster the security of educational institutions across the nation. This call for collaboration was made during her visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

Iliya's visit aimed to enhance the synergy between the Safe Schools Initiative and the military, particularly in light of the alarming incidents of violence against schools in Nigeria. The initiative was established in 2014 in response to the infamous abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State, which highlighted the vulnerability of educational environments to attacks.

During the meeting, Iliya outlined the mission of the Safe Schools Initiative, which operates under the Federal Ministry of Finance. The initiative coordinates various stakeholders, including security agencies, relevant ministries, civil society organizations, and development partners, to ensure the safety of schools. She noted that the visit was also an opportunity to brief the Chief of Defence Staff on the initiative’s activities, interventions, and future plans, while seeking areas for deeper collaboration with the military.

In her remarks, Iliya expressed condolences to General Oluyede and the Armed Forces over a recent tragic air mishap that resulted in the loss of lives among Nigerian Air Force personnel. She acknowledged the sacrifices made by military members and reiterated the importance of their role in safeguarding the nation’s children and educational institutions.

General Oluyede responded positively to Iliya’s visit, commending the Safe Schools Initiative for its ongoing commitment to protecting education in Nigeria. He assured her of the Armed Forces' full cooperation and support, underscoring that the safety of schools and children is a critical national security priority. The Chief of Defence Staff reiterated that the Defence Headquarters would continue to collaborate with the initiative and other stakeholders to ensure that schools remain safe and conducive for learning.

As the security situation in Nigeria continues to evolve, the collaboration between the Safe Schools Initiative and the military is seen as a vital step towards creating a safer environment for students and educators alike. The commitment from both parties reflects a shared responsibility to protect the future of Nigeria's youth and uphold the right to education in a secure setting.