The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its resolve to protect pupils and educators across the region.
Speaking on school safety in Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde declared on Tuesday that safeguarding educational institutions remains a core priority of his administration despite national security pressures.
His message came during a targeted one-day seminar organised by the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, held alongside the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Oyo State Command at the Secretariat in Ibadan.
Strengthening Resilience for Education in Nigeria
The event focused on building resilient institutions and enhancing operational capacity for child protection. School heads, security chiefs, and development partners gathered to address systemic threats affecting the future of education in Nigeria.
Represented by Mr Akin Oyedele, Head of Operations at the Oyo State Security Trust Fund, Governor Seyi Makinde made it clear that state authorities are directing major resources towards preventive defense.
“The protection of our children and teachers is non-negotiable. Our administration is investing heavily to ensure that no school in Oyo State becomes a soft target for criminal elements.”
The governor pointed out that national security challenges compel every stakeholder to rethink current strategies and build robust defenses.
“We are ready to provide the logistics and policy support required to implement the resolutions reached at this seminar. I urge security agencies, school authorities, communities and other stakeholders to translate today’s discussions into concrete actions that will strengthen rapid-response mechanisms and deepen collaboration with the government.”
A Shared Mandate for School Safety in Oyo State
Echoing the governor, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Olusegun Olayiwola, represented by Permanent Secretary Mrs Bamidele Oyinloye, emphasised that safeguarding children requires total community involvement.
“Every stakeholder has a role to play in protecting our schools. Safety must be addressed both within and outside the school gates because learning can only thrive in a secure environment.”
Adding operational context, the Oyo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Augustine Padonu, represented by Deputy Commandant Timothy Patunola, outlined key vulnerabilities seen in local schools.
He noted that poor perimeter fencing, open gate access, lack of safety awareness, weak emergency plans, absence of surveillance gear, and delayed communication with law enforcement leave schools vulnerable. Patunola urged principals and proprietors to seal these gaps immediately and work closely with security personnel to ensure quick crisis response.
