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IGP launches school protection squad in Edo
IGP launches school protection squad in Edo
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun,launched the Nigeria Police Force School Protection Squad for Edo in Benin on Friday.
Egbetokun, who launched the squad, during a stakeholders forum, said the initiative was part of efforts to ensure security and conducive learning environment for teachers and students
Represented by Salman Garba-Dogo, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in charge of Zone 5, Benin, the police boss described the school protection squad as a milestone in the force’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding educational institutions in the country.
The theme of this forum is: “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education”.
According to him, the squad will serve as a rapid response and preventive unit specifically trained to work with school communities, assess threats, respond to emergencies, and build trust between students and law enforcement agencies.
“Their role goes beyond protection, they will engage students, provide educational support on safety awareness and foster a culture of vigilance and partnership.
“Our goal is not just physical security but emotional reassurance for students, teachers and parents alike,” he said.
The initiative, the inspector general of police, said was developed in close collaboration with the ministry of education, government and the parents-teacher’s association
This is a reflection of our belief that school safety is a shared responsibility that requires unity, vigilance and compassion.
“Every child has the right to learn in an environment that is free from fear. We will not waver in our duty to protect that right,” he said
The police chief encouraged students/pupils, educators, and families to partner with the police, share concerns, report suspicious activities, and engage school officers.
He added that, “together, we can make our schools safer, stronger and more resilient.
Also speaking, Gov. Monday Okpebholo, said his administration was aligning with the Federal Government school protection’s vision and coming together to implement effective strategies that will protect our children and educators.
According to him, the initiative will ensure that every child in the state can learn, grow and thrive in a secure and nurturing environment.
The governor noted that education was not just a pillar of development, but the foundation upon which we build our future.
“So, as we seek to strengthen our educational system, we must first confront the escalating challenges threatening the safety of our children and their learning environments which includes schools.
“These challenges are not unique to Edo State, they are national in scope and therefore, demand a coordinated and inclusive response as provided by this forum,” Okpebholo
The governor, who was represented by his deputy Dennis Idahosa, said to enhance security across its educational institutions, his administration has embarked on construction of perimeter fencing of schools to provide physical protection
He said his government had also deployed State’s security Corps to the grassroots to tackle security threats in our schools, provided mandatory guidance and counselling offices across schools with constant checks on students among others.
On his part, the Commissioner of Police, Dr Abayomi Shogunle, who is the National Coordinator of School Protection Squad, described the initiative as a combative community peace strategy designed to protect schools, empower students and build trust between law enforcement, educators and family.
Shogunle disclosed that over 65 police officers from Edo State police command had been trained to respond, go on sensitisation regarding school safety initiative across the three Senatorial Districts of the state
“What the IGP is trying to do is to get everybody involved, because it is safer and cheaper to prevent crime from happening rather than being reactionary, to the security situation around schools,” he said
The senior police officer said the force had a dedicated call center dedicated to receiving calls from students, parents, teachers and people in the SOS community and ensuring to attend to their calls no matter the time of the day all over the country
He said the security and safety of schools and other learning environment attracted the Federal Government attention, as the nation had faced security challenges such as kidnappings, homicide related cases, and destruction of school infrastructure sometimes leading to school closures and negatively affecting the host communities. (NAN
IGP Launches Safe School Protection Squad In Delta State
FIC Report (Delta State) – The Inspector General of Police IGP. Kayode Egbetoken PhD, NPM represented by the AIG Zone 5 Benin City, AIG Salman-Dogo Garba psc, on 22nd April 2025, launched Safe School Protection Squad in Delta State and organised a two day stakeholders forum on the security of schools in Delta State as well as training of the schools protection squad, with the theme: Strengthening Security Resilience And Integration of Host Communities In The Protection of Education”.
During the two-day stakeholder’s forum which ended on 24th April 2025, resource persons from the educational sector, ICT, and security experts delivered power-packed lectures to the admiration of stakeholders.
A press release made available to journalists and signed by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer PPRO ASP Edafe Bright, ANIPR, stated that the event was graced by top dignitaries, including the Governor of Delta State Rt (Hon) Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, (SSG) Dr. Kingsley Emu, the Chairman Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and Orodje of Okpe Kingdom HRM Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), CFR, mni, represented by the Second Vice Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Obi of Obulunor.
Also in attendance were the representative of National Security Adviser, the Commissioner of Police Delta State Command CP. Olufemi Abaniwonda psc, the National Coordinator School Protection Squad CP. Abayomi Shogunle PhD, fsi, representative of service commanders of the various sister security agencies, school principals, teachers, secondary and primary school pupils, vigilantes, members of Nigeria Hunters, Anti-cult, Man-o-War, as well as members of civil society groups and National Association of Nigerian Students, among others.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, in his remarks, described the squad as the heart of the safe school initiative. He noted that the team comprises officers specially trained and equipped to safeguard learning institutions and respond swiftly to distress or threats that may arise.
The Coordinator CP. Abayomi Shogunle PhD, fsi, in his remarks stated that in recent years Nigeria was faced with security challenges such as kidnapping, murder and other related crimes, which included destruction of school facilities that sometimes led to closure of schools and also increased numbers of out-of-school children.
He also noted that Nigerian Government in December 2019 formally signed the Safe School Declaration document, which signaled the country’s commitment to a safer school environment. CP. Abayomi Shogunle PhD, fsi, concluded by saying that the right to education is central to social and economic progress stressing that investment in education is an investment in Human capital development.
Also in a remark, the SSG Dr. Kingsley Emu who represented the Governor of Delta State commended the Police for the initiative to organize this stakeholder’s forum and stated further that he was impressed by the determination of the Inspector General of Police to keep schools safe.
The safe school protection command and control centre is domiciled at Force Headquarters with a 24-hour call number (08077357777) where citizens can call in cases of school emergency in any part of the country.
Signed
Felix Ijomah
FIC Asaba Delta State
25th April, 2025.
Unity Bank Launches GenFi, Targets Children, Teens with Gamified Banking Platform
In a bold move to redefine promotion of financial literacy, Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, has unveiled GenFi, a new digital banking platform tailored to empower kids and teenagers between the ages of 8 and 18 with essential financial skills.
banking solution that will equip children and teenagers with financial intelligence, management, and independence.” He expressed confidence that the app will gain global reach and become popular among the target demographics.
Also, a guest at the launch and school proprietor, Sylvia Ezeora, described the Genfi app as “user-friendly, educational, and motivational for children”. She noted that beyond teaching financial literacy, “the app empowers parents to reinforce positive behaviour through rewards for completed tasks and promotes responsibility”.
Another guest and parent, Genevieve Adindu, commended Unity Bank for the innovative solution, tailored for children aged 8 to 18, and noted that Genfi “provides a modern, engaging approach to instilling saving habits early in life, replacing traditional methods like the kolo with a more effective digital tool, thereby becoming a powerful companion for children’s financial education”.
GenFi is positioned as a national benchmark for youth-focused digital banking, with the potential to drive economic inclusion and sustainability across generations. The launch event was attended by key stakeholders from the education and finance sectors, technology partners, media, and young students who will be among the early adopters
2025 UTME Results: 75% of Candidates Score Below 200 -JAMB
No fewer than 1.5 million out of 1,955,069 scored less than 200 in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
According to statistical analysis of 2025 UTME result released by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Monday, only 420,415 candidates scored above 200 in the 2025 edition of the UTME.
The data showed that 75% of candidates scored below 200 in the exam, with less than 1% scoring above 300.”
In the statement accompanying the data, JAMB said “40,247 underage candidates were permitted to demonstrate their exceptional abilities.
However, only 467 of these candidates (1.16%) achieved scores that meet the threshold for exceptional ability as defined for the UTME, with their performance in the subsequent three stages still pending.
“Of the total number registered, 97 candidates were involved in examination infractions, while 2,157 others are currently undergoing investigations for suspected malpractices.
“Additionally, 71,701 candidates were absent. Those facing biometric challenges are also under investigation, and those who are cleared will be rescheduled for examination at designated centres.
“Furthermore, few of the results, including those of blind candidates and others in the JEOG candidates group, are still being processed.
“A press conference to announce the individual results of candidates and to facilitate result checking will be held later this week.
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