The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has vowed to enhance security around schools across Nigeria to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for students.

The pledge came on Wednesday as he received an award from the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) in Abuja, in recognition of his efforts to safeguard schools and advance the Safe Schools Initiative.

Gen. Musa stated that the Federal Government would continue collaborating with parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to protect students, emphasizing that education cannot thrive without adequate security.

“Without security, there will not be a good learning environment. We will continue to work diligently to ensure our schools are safe. Let us continue to work hand-in-hand—parents, teachers, government, and society—to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

“This award strengthens my resolve to advance policies and initiatives that improve the quality of teaching and learning, provide a safe and inclusive environment for our children, equip teachers with resources and training, and foster stronger collaboration between schools, parents, and communities. This is very critical,” he added.

The minister described parents and teachers as vital partners in nation-building, stressing that proper education and discipline are essential to producing responsible citizens and preventing social instability.

Earlier, NAPTAN President Haruna Danjuma commended Gen. Musa’s appointment, noting that it reflects his long-standing commitment to national security and his role in initiating the Safe Schools Programme while serving as Chief of Defence Staff.

He said the initiative has reassured parents and encouraged school attendance amid security challenges, particularly the threats of kidnappings and attacks on educational institutions.

According to the association, parents across Nigeria have benefited from improved security measures around vulnerable schools, and the award is intended to motivate the minister to sustain and expand these efforts.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, also praised the minister’s leadership, describing the award as recognition of his dedication to protecting both national security and the future of Nigerian children.

He added that the ministry would continue collaborating with education stakeholders to ensure that security and education advance together.

Concerns over school safety have intensified in recent years due to repeated cases of attacks and kidnappings of students and teachers by criminal groups in parts of the country. These incidents have disrupted academic activities and increased anxiety among parents and education stakeholders.