The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday expressed concern over what it described as the “quiet abandonment” of the Safe School Initiative in Nigeria. Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, briefed journalists on the party’s resolutions during a closed-door meeting in Abuja. National Chairman Senator David Mark chaired the session, while former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and other prominent Nigerians attended.
Safe School Initiative Meant to Protect Students
Mr. Abdullahi recalled that the Safe School Initiative aimed to strengthen security around learning environments and prevent repeated abductions of vulnerable schoolchildren. Although the programme had imperfections, it demonstrated the nation’s commitment to safeguarding children. He said, “Today, that commitment has been abandoned. Government must demonstrate leadership, not fear.”
School Closures Could Encourage Terrorism
The spokesman criticized some state governments for closing schools and sending thousands of children home instead of addressing the root causes of insecurity. He emphasized that closing schools emboldens terrorists and harms communities.
ADC Calls for Immediate NSCDC Deployment
Consequently, Mr. Abdullahi urged the Federal Government to deploy Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel to unity schools nationwide. “Protecting our schools is a constitutional obligation. Continued inaction worsens insecurity,” he said.
He explained that each day schools remain closed, terrorists gain confidence, communities suffer, and national stability erodes. Therefore, he called for decisive and transparent action to reopen and secure affected schools promptly.
Returning Children Safely Is a Priority
“Bring our children back to school safely. Show that Nigeria refuses to bow to terror and remains committed to securing every child’s right to education and safety,” Abdullahi stressed.
The ADC spokesman also celebrated families and communities whose loved ones returned safely, including abducted CAC worshippers in Kwara and schoolchildren taken from GGCS, Maga, in Kebbi State.
