Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA) has expressed deep concern over the continued attacks on schools and the recurring abduction of students across Nigeria, despite the establishment of the Safe Schools Initiative more than a decade ago.

In a statement signed by its Chairperson, Mrs. Funmi Falana, SAN, the organisation said recent incidents involving the kidnapping of schoolchildren have once again highlighted the vulnerability of educational institutions and the persistent fears faced by parents across the country.

According to WELA, beyond statistics and public statements, thousands of children and families continue to suffer the devastating consequences of insecurity, while communities remain anxious about the safety of schools that should serve as centres of learning and protection.

The organisation recalled that the Safe Schools Initiative was launched in 2014 following the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls. The programme was introduced through a partnership involving the Federal Government, private sector stakeholders and international development partners with the aim of strengthening school security and ensuring uninterrupted access to education.

WELA noted that the initiative began with an initial funding commitment of $20 million, jointly provided by the Federal Government and private sector partners. It added that additional support was later received from international development agencies, while the Federal Government introduced the National Plan on Financing Safe Schools (2023–2026), with a projected budget of ₦144.86 billion and an initial allocation of ₦15 billion in 2023.

Twelve years after the programme was launched, the organisation questioned the extent of its achievements and impact.

“Twelve years have passed since the Safe Schools Initiative was established. Nigerians deserve to know what has been achieved and whether the programme has delivered on its mandate of protecting children and educational institutions,” WELA stated.

The organisation cited public reports indicating that since 2014, more than 1,680 schoolchildren have been kidnapped and about 180 schools attacked. It added that other estimates suggest over 2,000 students have been abducted in the last decade, while numerous schools have been forced to shut down because of insecurity.

According to WELA, these figures raise serious questions about the effectiveness, implementation and oversight of programmes designed to safeguard schools and students.

While acknowledging the complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges, the group stressed that security concerns should not be used as a justification for the absence of accountability.

“Where public resources have been committed in the name of protecting children, citizens have a right to know how those funds have been spent, what projects have been executed, and what measurable outcomes have been achieved,” the organisation said.

WELA therefore called on the Federal Government and all agencies responsible for implementing and monitoring the Safe Schools Initiative to provide a detailed public account of the programme’s activities since inception.

The organisation specifically requested information on the total funds committed and disbursed under the initiative, the number of schools that have benefited, the security upgrades carried out, and the measurable impact of those interventions on reducing attacks and abductions.

It also sought clarification on the agencies responsible for implementation and oversight, the availability of annual monitoring and evaluation reports, and the outcome of previous investigations into the utilisation of Safe Schools funds.

According to WELA, its demands are driven by the need for transparency and accountability rather than political considerations.

“The issue is not political or partisan. It is about accountability and the protection of Nigerian children. Every child deserves access to safe education, and every parent deserves confidence that their child can attend school without fear,” the statement said.

The organisation urged the Federal Government to publish a comprehensive status report on the Safe Schools Initiative, including financial records, implementation outcomes, independent assessments and future plans for strengthening security in schools nationwide.

“Nigerian children deserve more than promises. They deserve safe learning environments, meaningful protection and a government that is prepared to account for commitments made in their name,” WELA added.