The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting schools and guaranteeing a safe learning environment for students and teachers across Nigeria.
Musa gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving the Distinguished Service in National Peace and Security Merit Award from the National Parent Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), in recognition of his contributions to national security and peace-building efforts.
The minister stressed that security remains a cornerstone of educational development, noting that meaningful teaching and learning can only thrive in an atmosphere free from fear, violence and disruption. According to him, the safety of schools is not just a security concern but a national priority that directly affects the future of the country.
He said the Federal Government, through sustained collaboration between security agencies, state governments and education stakeholders, is strengthening measures aimed at preventing attacks on schools and protecting students, teachers and educational infrastructure nationwide.
Musa also commended parents and teachers for their resilience and continued dedication to education despite security challenges in some parts of the country. He urged communities to work closely with security agencies by providing timely information that would help prevent threats and enhance rapid response.
In his remarks, the NAPTAN leadership said the award was bestowed on the minister in recognition of his leadership and commitment to peace and security, particularly efforts targeted at safeguarding schools and promoting stability necessary for learning.
The association expressed confidence that with sustained government commitment and stakeholder collaboration, Nigeria’s schools would become safer, enabling children to learn and thrive in a secure and supportive environment.
