The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has pledged to intensify security measures around schools across the country to guarantee a safe and conducive learning environment for students.
Musa made the commitment on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving an award from the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) in recognition of his contributions to school safety and the advancement of the Safe Schools Initiative.
The minister said the Federal Government would continue to collaborate with parents, teachers and other stakeholders to protect learners, stressing that quality education cannot thrive in the absence of security.
“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 potential,” he said.
Musa added that the recognition would further strengthen his resolve to champion policies and initiatives aimed at improving teaching and learning, providing safe and inclusive school environments, empowering teachers through training and resources, and fostering stronger collaboration between schools, parents and communities.
He described parents and teachers as critical partners in nation-building, noting that proper education and discipline were essential to producing responsible citizens and preventing social instability.
Earlier, NAPTAN President, Haruna Danjuma, said the award reflected the minister’s years of service and commitment to national security, particularly his role in initiating the Safe Schools Programme while serving as Chief of Defence Staff.
According to him, the initiative has reassured parents and boosted school attendance despite prevailing security challenges, including kidnapping and attacks on educational institutions in some parts of the country.
Danjuma said parents nationwide had benefitted from improved security around vulnerable schools, adding that the award was meant to encourage the minister to sustain and expand the programme.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, commended Musa’s leadership, describing the honour as recognition of his dedication to safeguarding both national security and the future of Nigerian children.
He assured that the ministry would continue to work with education stakeholders to ensure that security and education advanced together.
Concerns over school safety have intensified in recent years following repeated attacks and abductions of students and teachers by bandits and other criminal elements, incidents that have disrupted academic activities and heightened anxiety among parents and education stakeholders.
