The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to launch an investigation into allegations that funds meant for the Federal Government’s N145 billion Safe Schools Initiative may have been diverted, mismanaged or remain unaccounted for.
The organisation made the appeal on Thursday, pointing to reports that more than 600 pupils and teachers were abducted in school-related attacks across Nigeria between March 2024 and May 2026, despite the implementation of the programme.
In a statement signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP called on the President to instruct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), along with relevant anti-corruption agencies, to investigate how the funds were used.
“We call on President Bola Tinubu to urgently direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations that the ₦145 billion Safe Schools Initiative funds are missing, mismanaged, or diverted,” the statement partly reads.
“Anyone found responsible should be brought to justice, and any missing funds fully recovered.”
SERAP said the recent abduction of students and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State underscored ongoing vulnerabilities in school security despite significant financial allocations.
The group also called on both federal and Oyo State authorities to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims, prosecute perpetrators, and provide justice for affected families.
According to SERAP, the recurring abductions raise serious concerns about the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of the Safe Schools Initiative.
“The reported abductions raise serious questions about the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of the Safe Schools Initiative. Allegations that funds intended to protect Nigerian children may have been mismanaged must be urgently, thoroughly, independently and effectively investigated and the findings of any investigation should be widely published.”
“Corruption in education security puts lives at risk, undermines every child’s right to education, and disproportionately affects poor and vulnerable communities.”
SERAP further stated that Nigerian authorities are constitutionally and internationally obligated to protect children from abduction, violence, and other human rights violations.
It referenced provisions of the 1999 Constitution, including Sections 14, 33 and 34, which guarantee security, welfare, life and dignity, as well as access to education.
The organisation warned that it may take legal action if its demands are not met.
“These provisions require authorities to take effective steps to protect students, teachers, and educational institutions from violence, abductions, and other threats that undermine access to education and the enjoyment of fundamental rights.
“We’ll see Nigerian authorities in court if the recommended measures are not immediately implemented.”