By Douglas Princemola
In a strategic push to combat insecurity in Nigeria’s educational institutions, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has launched a high-level summit in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, to promote a national Safe School Initiative. The summit, held on May 14, 2025, was designed to mobilize stakeholders and reinforce security measures in schools, particularly in areas vulnerable to crime and unrest.
The event formed part of a larger national framework initiated by the Nigeria Police Force to address rising concerns over the safety of students, teachers, and school infrastructure. The IGP’s approach focuses on building a sustainable security architecture by integrating the efforts of law enforcement, educational authorities, traditional institutions, and local communities.
Speaking on behalf of the IGP, Assistant Inspector-General of Police Kanayo Uzuegbu from Zone 9 Headquarters in Umuahia emphasized the pivotal role of grassroots security efforts in protecting academic institutions. He noted that the success of school security depends heavily on the active participation of host communities, who serve as the first line of defense against threats such as abduction, cult activities, and violence.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, commended the initiative and highlighted the urgent necessity of making educational environments safer. He expressed optimism that the summit would lead to tangible policies and collaborative strategies capable of preventing criminal activity within and around schools.
In his welcome speech, Commissioner of Police for Imo State, CP Danjuma, expressed the Command’s readiness to partner with other security agencies, school administrators, and traditional rulers to fortify school security. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring that every student in Imo can pursue education in a secure and stable setting.
Also speaking at the summit, CP Abayomi Shogunle, PhD, fsi, the National Coordinator of the School Protection Squad (SPS), provided detailed insights into the structure and mission of the Safe School Initiative. He explained that the program is designed not only to address existing security gaps but also to create long-term, community-led solutions that encourage vigilance, rapid response, and collaboration between schools and surrounding communities.
The summit brought together an impressive array of participants, including community leaders, academic heads, civil society representatives, and senior government officials. Notable attendees included HRM Eze Dr. E.C. Okeke (Eze Imo), Professor BTO Ikegwuoha (Commissioner for Education), Hon. Modestus Osakwe (Commissioner for Homeland Security), and Hajiya Halima Lilya (National Coordinator on Financing Safe Schools). More than 60 personnel from the School Protection Squad were also in attendance.
Among the key highlights of the summit were two technical presentations: “Security Awareness: Early Warning and Response Systems” delivered by Professor Daniel Nkwuocha of Imo State University, and “The Role of Students in Building Secure Schools” presented by ACP Linus Nwaiwu. These sessions explored practical methods for improving school vigilance, encouraging youth involvement in safety protocols, and implementing real-time response strategies.
Adding a cultural dimension to the event, students from the IMSU Theatre Arts Department, in collaboration with the Imo State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, performed a vibrant showcase that celebrated local heritage while emphasizing the value of unity and education.
The summit concluded with closing remarks and a vote of thanks from Deputy Commissioner of Police Hammajoda Barka. He acknowledged the contributions of the IGP, state authorities, and all stakeholders for their unwavering support. The event marked a significant step forward in creating safer academic spaces and fostering a culture of security consciousness in Nigeria’s schools.
