By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Major General Adamu Garba Laka, have jointly affirmed that education plays a vital role in strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture.
This consensus was reached during a strategic discussion held at the Federal Ministry of Education, where General Laka led a delegation of senior NCTC officials on a courtesy visit to the Minister on 24 July 2025.
During the meeting, both leaders emphasised the urgent need for enhanced collaboration between security agencies and the education sector to ensure the safety of schools across the country, according to a statement signed by Abu Michael, head, Strategic Communication, NCTC-ONSA.
Commending the NCTC for its steadfast commitment and effective coordination in countering terrorism and violent extremism, Dr Alausa acknowledged a significant improvement in school safety since the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He highlighted the absence of kidnapping incidents in schools under the current administration as a testament to the efforts of the NCTC, the Armed Forces, and other security agencies.
The Minister urged the centre, along with the military, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies, to maintain their momentum and not rest on their oars in the ongoing mission to secure Nigeria’s educational institutions and broader society.
General Laka earlier commended the Minister for his exceptional leadership and reform-driven vision for the education sector, highlighting key initiatives such as the School-Based Management and Teacher Development Programmes, the National Education Renewal Agenda, the Anti-Bullying Policy, and the Commonwealth Collaboration on Distance Learning, noting that they have delivered tangible and meaningful progress.
He emphasised that these reforms align closely with non-kinetic strategies in combating terrorism and preventing violent extremism.
He said the ministry plays a critical role in shaping the moral and ideological direction of our society, and that its work is pivotal in instilling national values, countering extremist ideologies, and equipping the youth to become resilient, responsible citizens.
The National Coordinator, NCTC further expressed the centre’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the ministry, particularly in capacity building and specialised training programmes.
He noted that the centre regularly organises seminars and training workshops, which will be increasingly vital following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s designation of the NCTC as a Regional Centre of Excellence for Counter Terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel.
General Laka reaffirmed NCTC’s commitment to partnering with key institutions like the Ministry of Education to drive holistic and preventive approaches in addressing security challenges through education.
As a demonstration of their commitment to the partnership, a joint working group was established to identify and recommend strategic areas of collaboration aimed at enhancing the education system within a secure and stable environment.