Seyi Makinde has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving safety and security in schools across Oyo State, stressing that protecting students and teachers remains a top priority despite growing security challenges in the country.

The governor made the commitment on Wednesday during a one-day seminar titled “Building Resilient Schools: Strengthening Operational Capacity for Safety, Security and Child Protection in Oyo State Educational Institutions.”

Represented by the Head of Operations of the Oyo State Security Trust Fund, Akin Oyedele, Governor Makinde stated that the state government is investing significantly in school security to ensure that educational institutions do not become easy targets for criminal activities.

According to him, the safety of learners, teachers, and other education workers is non-negotiable, adding that recent security incidents across Nigeria have made it necessary for governments and stakeholders to adopt stronger strategies for protecting schools.

Makinde also pledged that his administration would provide the logistics, policy backing, and institutional support required to implement the recommendations from the seminar. He urged security agencies, school administrators, communities, and development partners to work together in translating the seminar’s resolutions into practical actions that will improve school safety and emergency response.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Bamidele Oyinloye, emphasized that ensuring school safety is a shared responsibility. She noted that security measures should extend beyond school premises to create a safe learning environment for every child.

Also addressing participants, the Oyo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Augustine Padonu, represented by Deputy Commandant Timothy Patunola, highlighted several security weaknesses commonly found in schools.

He identified inadequate perimeter fencing, unrestricted access to school compounds, poor security awareness, limited emergency preparedness, lack of surveillance infrastructure, and weak communication with security agencies as major vulnerabilities that require urgent attention.

The seminar brought together NSCDC Area Commanders, regional officers, school administrators, education stakeholders, security experts, and development partners to discuss practical strategies for improving child protection and strengthening the security of schools across Oyo State.