By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Kaduna- Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has called on the Federal Government to establish schools safety task force in Nigeria for the smooth development of education and safety of children.

Buratai spoke in Gusau while presenting a a keynote address at the 2025 International Hybrid Conference organized by the Faculty of Education, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State.

Represented by Brigadier General MK Galadanchi (Rtd), at the occasion, the former Army boss stated that the school safety task force should include Military, Police and community leaders.

He explained that by establishing the school safety task force it could provide tailored security solutions to high risk areas.

Buratai was certain that the use of surveillance technology ,including drones can assiduously help monitor vulnerable school zones and prevent attacks .

“Education is a fundamental human right and critical driver of national development, if we fail to protect it, we jeopardize the future of our nation.However, if we rise to this challenge through innovation, collaboration and unwavering commitment, we can assure that every Nigerian child has access to safe, equatable, and quality education”. He said.

He observed that the demographic survey conducted by UNICEF in 2024, indicated that girls have 60 percent of the 10 million out of school children who were disproportionately affected by insecurity.

“Attention must be given to children with disability who face compounded challenges in accessing education,” he said.