By Adure Adeiyi.,
The Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) has called for stronger security measures for schools. Speaking on national security, the corps expressed concern over the increasing attacks on schools and the kidnapping of students and staff across the country.
The National Commandant of the corps, Dr Dickson A.O. Akoh, during a press briefing on Wednesday, described the trend as a serious threat to the nation’s educational system, warning that persistent insecurity could discourage parents from sending their children to school.
He, therefore, advocated the deployment of Peace Corps personnel to educational institutions to strengthen school security and early warning mechanisms
The Commandant, also disclosed the commencement of a nationwide personnel re-validation exercise for all officers and members trained by the organisation between 1998 and 2026. Describing the exercise as a major institutional reform aimed at strengthening the organisation’s administrative structure, personnel records and operational efficiency.
Akoh said the exercise was mandatory for all officers and men of the corps and would involve the submission of academic credentials and National Identification Numbers (NIN) for verification and database harmonisation.
According to him, the exercise is not merely administrative, but a strategic audit designed to align the organisation’s human resource capacity with modern institutional standards.
He noted that many personnel had advanced academically over the years through higher degrees, professional certifications and technical competencies, adding that the corps intended to formally recognise such qualifications.
The commandant said the updated records would provide a framework for merit-based promotions, specialised deployments and effective utilisation of personnel across departments.
Akoh further stated that the compulsory integration of NIN into the corps’ database was aimed at eliminating identity fraud, ensuring accountability and enhancing collaboration with security agencies.
“Every officer must be traceable, verifiable and properly captured within the national identity database to preserve the integrity of the organisation,” he said.
He added that the re-validation exercise would also serve as the foundation for broader structural reforms and reorganisation within the corps.
According to him, the reforms will affect operations at the national headquarters, zonal, state, district and local government commands with a view to building a more disciplined and efficient institution.
Akoh said the ultimate objective was to reposition the organisation for stronger institutional legitimacy, improved governance and enhanced local and international partnerships.
He warned that any officer or member who failed to participate in the exercise or provide valid credentials and NIN within the stipulated period would automatically lose membership of the corps.
“There will be no room for ghost personnel, inactive members or unverified individuals within the reformed Peace Corps of Nigeria,” he said
He said the initiative would involve the deployment of trained officers as safety personnel to assist in surveillance, intelligence gathering and the prevention of threats such as cultism, drug abuse and unauthorised access within schools.
According to him, intelligence gathered by deployed personnel would be promptly shared with conventional security agencies to ensure rapid response to threats.
Akoh added that the initiative aligned with Nigeria’s Safe Schools Strategy and would help bridge existing gaps between school authorities and formal security institutions.
He said the corps would also incorporate peace education and psycho-social support programmes as part of efforts to promote a safe and conducive learning environment across the country.
