The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have identified key areas of collaboration aimed at enhancing security across tertiary institutions, following repeated attacks on schools and the abduction of students in Nigeria.
Leading a high-powered delegation of senior officers on a courtesy visit to the TETFund headquarters on Thursday, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, said that although attacks on schools have reduced, sustained support from critical stakeholders remains necessary to completely address the threat.
The delegation was received by the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, alongside members of the Fund’s top management. Discussions centered on developing a strong framework for inter-agency cooperation, including the training of private security personnel on campuses, support for NSCDC training institutions and research, safeguarding educational facilities nationwide, and reinforcing the link between security and education.
Earlier, Prof. Audi emphasized the NSCDC’s role within Nigeria’s security architecture, noting that the Corps is the lead agency responsible for protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, including educational institutions.
He appealed to TETFund for support in upgrading the Corps’ six training institutions, particularly the College of Security Management in Abeokuta, to promote career advancement and global-standard professional development for officers. He also countered claims that the Corps had fully addressed school security challenges across the country.
According to him, while attacks were widespread in the early 2000s, the situation prompted the introduction of initiatives such as the Safe School Initiative and related financing mechanisms, especially after the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction. Although recent attacks have significantly reduced, isolated incidents persist.
Audi explained that securing schools requires a “whole-of-society” approach involving security agencies, regulatory bodies such as the National Universities Commission (NUC), educational institutions, host communities, and traditional leaders. He highlighted structural challenges, revealing that out of over 81,000 schools surveyed nationwide, more than 60,000 lack basic security features such as fencing and guards, compared to the Corps’ total workforce of about 63,000 personnel.
He stressed that no single agency could address the challenge alone, hence the need for broad collaboration to prevent and respond to security threats effectively.
In his response, Arc. Sonny Echono commended the NSCDC for its efforts in collaboration with other security agencies to maintain national safety. He reaffirmed TETFund’s willingness to support the Corps and deepen cooperation.
Echono disclosed that both agencies would soon advance discussions toward signing a memorandum of understanding, focusing on specific collaborative actions to ensure a secure and conducive learning environment for students and staff in tertiary institutions.
He added that security remains a critical foundation for the success of any educational development initiative.
