The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to protecting education, emphasizing that education is an investment, not expenditure.
The minister made this statement while receiving Michela Ranieri, Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA), who paid her a courtesy visit in her office in Abuja.
“Education is an investment, not expenditure. This has always been my firm belief as we work to secure the future of Nigeria’s children,” Uzoka-Anite stated.
She informed that Nigeria’s Safe Schools Initiative has gained global recognition for its innovative approach to ensuring safe learning environments.
She said, “The country’s National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre is the first of its kind worldwide, demonstrating Nigeria’s leadership in implementing the Safe Schools Declaration.”
Since 2017, Nigeria has prioritised financing for this initiative, developing sustainable financing mechanisms to safeguard education.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our students and educational institutions across Nigeria,” she said, adding, “Our consistent funding releases have enabled the establishment of the National Safe School Centre, and we have implemented safe school protocols across all security agencies.”
The minister informed that Nigeria now stands proudly alongside Spain, Argentina, and Norway as core planning countries for the Safe Schools Declaration.
“In May, we will showcase our achievements at the Declaration’s 10th anniversary,” she said.
Uzoka-Anite said: “As we continue to stabilize our economy, we remain committed to protecting our most valuable assets—our children and their education.”
She emphasised that when Nigeria invests in keeping schools safe, it invests in its future.
Michela Ranieri commended Nigeria’s progress, saying, “Nigeria’s implementation model is the first of its kind globally and is yielding positive results that other countries could emulate.”
The Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Mr. Raymond Omenka Omachi, assured that the ministry will continue to create an enabling environment for the successful implementation of the various policy objectives of the Federal Government.
The Safe Schools Initiative in Nigeria is designed to protect educational institutions across all regions of the country, demonstrating the government’s commitment to creating a safe learning environment for all students.
As Nigeria continues to prioritise safe education, the government remains committed to creating a secure and supportive learning environment for all children.
