The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to order an urgent investigation into allegations that the ₦145 billion Safe Schools Initiative fund may have been diverted, mismanaged or gone missing.
The organisation urged the President to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, alongside relevant anti-corruption agencies, to examine the claims following reports that more than 600 pupils and teachers were abducted in school-related attacks across Nigeria between March 2024 and May 2026.
SERAP expressed concern that schools across the country continue to face repeated attacks despite billions of naira reportedly allocated to improve security.
The group pointed to the recent abduction of dozens of students and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as evidence that serious questions remain over the effectiveness of measures designed to safeguard educational institutions.
The organisation urged President Tinubu to ensure that anyone found responsible for the alleged diversion or mismanagement of the funds is held accountable and that any missing money is fully recovered.
SERAP also called on the President and Seyi Makinde to secure the safe release of the abducted students and teachers, ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, and provide victims and their families with access to justice and effective remedies.
According to SERAP, the reported abductions have raised serious concerns about the transparency, accountability and effectiveness of the Safe Schools Initiative.
The organisation said allegations involving funds meant to protect schoolchildren should be “urgently, thoroughly, independently and effectively investigated” and that the findings should be made public.
SERAP argued that corruption linked to education security places lives at risk, undermines children’s right to education and disproportionately affects poor and vulnerable communities. It stressed that Nigerian authorities have both constitutional and international legal obligations to protect children from abduction, violence and other human rights violations.
The group cited provisions of the 1999 Constitution, noting that Section 14(2)(b) states that the security and welfare of citizens are the primary purpose of government, while Section 33 guarantees the right to life and requires authorities to take reasonable steps to protect people from threats to their safety.
SERAP also referenced Section 34, which guarantees the dignity of the human person, and constitutional provisions requiring governments to promote adequate educational opportunities for all.
The organisation maintained that these obligations require authorities to take effective measures to protect students, teachers and schools from violence, abductions and other threats that disrupt education and violate fundamental rights.
SERAP warned that it would pursue legal action if the recommended measures are not promptly implemented.
