The Nigerian Senate has summoned the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to appear before it next Tuesday.

The call for Edun’s appearance comes from the ad hoc Senate committee investigating the collapse of the Safe School Initiative, chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), following the adoption of its work plan during its inaugural meeting on Wednesday.

Other key stakeholders set to be summoned include the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; the Chief of Defence Staff; the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence, Dr. Mohammed Abubakar Audi; and representatives of school proprietors.

During the committee’s first sitting, Senator Kalu pledged that the Senate would thoroughly examine all issues surrounding the initiative’s implementation and ensure full accountability.

He highlighted that since 2014, over 1,680 schoolchildren have been kidnapped and 180 educational facilities attacked, describing the situation as unacceptable for a nation committed to educational development and child safety.

“It is unacceptable that our schools remain soft targets for terrorists and kidnappers,” Kalu said.

He added, “We will track every naira and every dollar allocated to the Safe School Initiative, including the $30 million mobilized between 2014 and 2021, as well as the latest N144 billion released by the federal government. Nigerians deserve to know why, despite enormous investment and global support, our schools remain unsafe. The committee will carry out a comprehensive financial and operational audit, involving federal ministries, state governments, security agencies, and civil society partners.”

Senator Kalu emphasized that the committee has a duty to ensure Nigerian children can pursue education without fear. He also noted that the probe is not directed at any individual or institution, but is aimed at promoting accountability and transparency.

The committee plans to investigate several areas, including: (i) utilization of funds allocated since 2014; (ii) deployment and effectiveness of security personnel; (iii) early warning and emergency response systems; (iv) infrastructure upgrades in vulnerable schools; and (v) partnerships with international donors and private-sector contributors.

The inquiry follows renewed national outrage over the recent abduction of 25 female students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, as well as over 200 students from St Mary Catholic School in Niger State.