In line with the directives of the Federal Ministry of Education, calling for the proactive implementation of policies to tackle insecurity and ensure protection of learners and others workforce within the school environment, the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has constituted a Safe School Steering Committee.

Speaking in Abeokuta during the setting up of the committee, the Commissioner in the Ministry, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu said the committee is a strategic response aimed at strengthening collaboration among government, security agents, communities, development partners and all stakeholders in the education sector.

Prof. Arigbabu explained that the committee is expected to provide leadership towards developing and implementing policies, strategies and programmes that will enhance school safety, improve emergency preparedness, strengthen child protection measures and build resilience within the school.

The Commissioner noted that the selection of the committee was based on the expertise, experience and institutional responsibilities, saying the future of the children depends on the effectiveness of their decisions and proactiveness of their actions.

Education remains the bedrock of sustainable development, however, meaningful learning can only take place in an environment that is safe, secure and conducive across the Nation", 

Highlighting the mandate of the committee, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Dr. Lukmon Kiadese stated that the safe school initiative is the collaborative effort of the Federal and State Government, as well as other stakeholders aimed at ensuring that all schools were provided with a safe, secure, serene, inclusive and conducive academic environment.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the Education Ministry, Mrs. Oluwatosin Oloko noted that the inauguration was the significant step of the collective commitment to safeguarding the future of the children, adding that the gathering was to ensure every child deserves to learn in an atmosphere that is free from fear.

In his submission, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni noted that the project was launched by the IG to avail the committee the platform and opportunity to collaborate, work and ensure safe school environment, a situation where learners, teachers and other stakeholders in the school are well secured.

Speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, AIG Olusola Subaru (Rtd) affirmed that the only legacy that can be given to the children for progress, success and prosperity is education, hence the need for all stakeholders to join hands together to secure the learning environment, assuring that all hands are on deck to successfully carry out assignment for security of the schools across the State.

Other stakeholders from the Ministry of Environment, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, Amotekun and Commandant of National School Crime Prevention Corps (NSCPC), Folayinka Ige commended the government for geared towards taking proactive actions towards protecting the lives of students being the future of the Nation.