The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately order a thorough investigation into allegations surrounding the disappearance and mismanagement of approximately ₦145 billion earmarked for the Federal Government’s Safe Schools initiative, warning that it may institute legal action if urgent steps are not taken.
According to SERAP, the funds were intended to strengthen security infrastructure in schools across Nigeria, particularly in areas plagued by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent attacks that have repeatedly disrupted education and endangered the lives of students and teachers.
The organisation expressed concern that despite the huge allocations and international support received under the Safe Schools programme, many schools across the country remain vulnerable to attacks, with inadequate security facilities and poor implementation of safety measures. It argued that the alleged disappearance of such a substantial sum raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and the government’s commitment to protecting children in learning environments.
In its demand, SERAP urged the President to direct relevant anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to investigate the management of the funds and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The rights group further insisted that Nigerians deserve a full account of how the money was disbursed and utilized, stressing that public funds allocated to education and security must not be allowed to vanish without consequences.
SERAP warned that failure by the Federal Government to act decisively could compel the organisation to seek judicial intervention to compel accountability and recover any funds found to have been diverted.
The development comes amid growing public concern over the state of insecurity in schools across the country, where recurring abductions and attacks have continued to threaten access to education and undermine confidence in government efforts to safeguard students.
As pressure mounts, the Tinubu administration now faces fresh calls to demonstrate transparency and reassure Nigerians that funds meant to secure the nation’s schools are not lost to corruption or administrative failures.