The Nigerian Senate has extended by three weeks the lifespan of its ad-hoc committee investigating the Safe Schools Initiative and expanded the scope of the probe to include major education and social intervention agencies.

The affected bodies include the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Universal Basic Education Commission, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and the National Social Investment Programme Agency.

The decision followed a motion sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Chairman of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Safe Schools Initiative, who argued that the investigation required broader oversight to ensure accountability across interconnected programmes.

According to Kalu, early findings revealed strong links between the Safe Schools Initiative and multiple government agencies responsible for education funding, student welfare, and humanitarian support. He warned that limiting the probe would result in fragmented oversight.

The expanded mandate will see the committee assess funding flows, operational challenges, and accountability mechanisms across the agencies. It will also examine school feeding programmes, emergency interventions for displaced students and infrastructure projects tied to school safety.

The Senate, presided over by Godswill Akpabio, approved the extension following a voice vote, granting the panel additional time to conclude its assignment.

The investigation, launched in December 2025, gained urgency after renewed insecurity in schools, including the abduction of students in Kebbi State. 

The Safe Schools Initiative itself was established in 2014 following the Chibok schoolgirls abduction.

Previous hearings have already raised concerns over the utilisation of funds, including the disbursement of ₦15 billion in 2023 to security agencies and education bodies. The committee also queried alleged financial irregularities and demanded detailed financial records from relevant offices.

With the expanded probe, lawmakers aim to deliver a comprehensive report that will strengthen transparency, improve accountability and enhance the safety and welfare of students nationwide.