The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the safety of learners across Nigeria, following commendation from the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Safe Schools Initiative for his consistent cooperation with the National Assembly and respect for parliamentary oversight.
The commendation came during an interactive session convened by the committee to review the implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative, including the utilisation of appropriated funds, international grants and other external support provided for the programme.
Chairman of the committee, Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, described Dr. Alausa as a public servant who has consistently demonstrated respect for constitutional institutions by honouring invitations from the National Assembly and engaging constructively with lawmakers in the discharge of their oversight responsibilities.
The Senator also commended the minister’s ongoing reforms in the education sector, describing them as bold initiatives that are strengthening Nigeria’s education system and contributing to national development. He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at improving the safety of schools, teachers and learners across the country.
Addressing members of the committee, Dr. Alausa stated that the funds under review, including international grants, foreign donations and appropriated funds, were disbursed several years before his appointment as Minister of Education.
He noted that the Safe Schools Financing Unit responsible for administering the funds was, at the time, domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Finance.