Seyi Makinde pledges stronger Oyo schools security, promising measures to protect students, teachers and learning environments across the state
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has pledged stronger security measures for schools across the state, saying the protection of students and teachers remains a top priority amid growing security concerns across Nigeria.
Makinde gave the assurance on Wednesday during a one-day seminar in Ibadan focused on “Building Resilient Schools: Strengthening Operational Capacity for Safety, Security and Child Protection in Oyo State Educational Institutions”.
Represented by the Head of Operations of the Oyo State Security Trust Fund, Akin Oyedele, the governor said his administration was committed to ensuring that schools do not become vulnerable targets for criminal groups.
“The protection of children and teachers is non-negotiable amid rising security concerns nationwide,” Makinde said.
He added that the government would continue to provide the necessary logistics and policy support required to improve safety standards in schools.
“We will ensure no school becomes a soft target for criminal elements,” the governor said.
Makinde noted that recent security challenges across the country had made it necessary for government agencies, schools and communities to review existing safety strategies and develop stronger protection systems.
He urged security agencies, community groups, educational institutions and other stakeholders to implement practical solutions from the seminar and improve collaboration with government authorities.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olusegun Olayiwola, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Bamidele Oyinloye, stressed that school safety requires collective responsibility.
Oyinloye said security concerns must be addressed both within school premises and in surrounding communities to create a safer learning environment.
The Oyo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Augustine Padonu, represented by Deputy Commandant Timothy Patunola, identified several challenges affecting school safety.
These include poor perimeter fencing, unrestricted access to school grounds, limited security awareness, inadequate emergency preparedness, insufficient surveillance systems and weak communication channels between schools and security agencies.
Participants at the seminar included security officials, school administrators, development partners, NYSC area commanders and other education stakeholders.
The initiative comes amid nationwide concerns over attacks on educational institutions and the need for stronger security frameworks to protect learning spaces.
The Oyo State government said it would continue working with relevant agencies to strengthen Oyo schools security and ensure that students and teachers can operate in safer environments.
