The Abia South Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, in this piece maintains that the Senate, through the Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Safe Schools Initiative Program under his chairmanship wants to ensure that, the Senate is not only on their side, but are also working to ensure that every child can learn in a safe environment and that public funds meant for that purpose are not misused. Kalu made this known to the public during a meeting between Ministries of Finance, Education and the panels at the National Assembly over the weekend, and Our Managing Editor Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka was there. Excerpts:
How will you ensure states account for donor and intervention funds?
By demanding records of releases, utilization, and impact. We will trace funds from the federal level to the states and to the schools to close existing gaps.
What message do you have for parents and students?
That the Senate is on their side. We are working to ensure that every child can learn in a safe environment and that public funds meant for that purpose are not misused.
What is your expectation from this engagement with the Minister?
We anticipate a robust, candid, and productive session. The Nigerian people and the Senate are demanding full transparency today.
Senator Kalu, what is the mandate of this Ad-hoc Committee on the Safe Schools Initiative?
Our mandate is to investigate the implementation, funding, and impact of the Safe Schools Initiative across Nigeria. We are to map the entire financial trail, assess operational structures, and ensure accountability in ministries and agencies involved.
Why is the Federal Ministry of Finance central to this investigation?
As the Central Clearing House for budgetary releases and treasury, the Ministry of Finance sits at the center. Without clear, transparent, and accurate data from the Minister, any assessment of this program remains incomplete.
What prompted the Senate to expand the scope of this investigation?
During our preliminary document review, we observed critical interdependencies across education, security, and social safety nets. That informed our decision to also look at financial flows, operational working networks, and accountability structures across all concerned agencies.
Are you investigating specific years or funding windows?
Yes. We are requesting total monetary allocations and actual releases to relevant entities from 2020 to date. This includes special intervention co-funding mechanisms and international donor funding to the states.
The public may see this as a witch hunt. How do you respond?
I wish to emphasize that this exercise is not a witch hunt. It is a constitutional mandate under Sections 88 and 89. It is aimed at ensuring financial discipline, value for money, and the protection of Nigerian students.
What are the key issues you want the Minister to address today?
We need details on fund releases, challenges to disbursement, impact on schools and learning environments, and gaps in implementation. We also need clarity on donor funds and how they have flowed to the states.
What is the current state of security in schools that the Safe Schools Initiative was meant to address?
That is part of what we are assessing, whether funds released have translated into safer learning environments for our children. The data from the Ministry will help us answer that.
Senator, you commended the Minister personally. Why?
The Minister has always shown respect for the Senate and for democratic institutions. Whether in the Committee on Finance or here, he is always present and responsive. That level of commitment deserves commendation.
You mentioned this administration is not responsible for all past activities. Can you clarify?
Correct. We understand the Minister was not in office when some of these allocations were made. But government is continuous. We must ask questions and ensure proper records and reforms going forward.
What happens after this open session?
We will proceed to a closed session with the Minister. The panelists are waiting to discuss strategy, data, and sensitive financial details that cannot be made public at this stage.
Will the Committee make its findings public?
Absolutely. We are committed to transparency. Once we conclude, we will lay a comprehensive and actionable report before the Nigerian Senate, and the public will be duly informed.
What reforms is the Committee hoping to achieve?
We want structural reforms that ensure funds meant for safe schools actually reach schools, that there is accountability at every level, and that future releases are tied to measurable outcomes.
Your advice?
I thank the Honorable Minister for his time and sincerity. I also thank the Committee members and panelists. Our goal is simple: justice for the investment, safety for our students, and value for every naira spent. If after this we have no further questions, we will release him. We are very transparent.
