The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, in collaboration with the Ekiti State Ministry of Education, has retrained personnel from 47 public secondary schools on the operation and management of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras to strengthen security in schools.
The retraining was organised for two designated personnel from each of the 47 beneficiary schools to address operational challenges affecting the effective use of the surveillance systems and improve safety within school environments.
Speaking at the programme in Ado -Ekiti, the Director of Schools in the Ekiti State Ministry of Education , Mrs Adenike Akinyemi, said the CCTV cameras were procured and installed under the AGILE Project to improve security in public secondary schools.
She said the retraining became necessary following the transfer of principals and other administrators, changes in personnel, loss or replacement of mobile phones linked to the systems as well as forgotten login details and other operational challenges.
Akinyemi said the ministry, in collaboration with AGILE, decided to train two personnel from each beneficiary school to ensure continuity in the operation of the systems whenever trained officers were transferred or left the service.
According to her, emerging security challenges have made it imperative for schools to maximise the use of surveillance technology in safeguarding lives and property.
She added that the government planned to extend the CCTV intervention to more public secondary schools across the state.
The consultant for the procurement and installation of the CCTV systems, Engr. Oluwaleke Agunbiade of Lakeside Communications, described CCTV technology as an essential security tool for modern educational institutions.
Agunbiade said the systems helped to monitor activities, deter criminal acts, prevent vandalism and bullying, monitor unauthorised movements and provide evidence during investigations.
He added that the facilities also enhanced accountability, improved emergency response and protected school assets.
According to him, effective operation of the solar-powered CCTV systems requires functional solar panels, batteries, proper maintenance and designated personnel to monitor the equipment.
Participants received practical training on accessing live footage, reviewing recorded videos, connecting cameras to mobile devices, managing user accounts, retrieving recordings and resolving common technical issues.
School representatives also highlighted challenges affecting the operation of the systems, including loss of connected phones, forgotten passwords, transfer of trained personnel and limited technical knowledge among newly posted administrators.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Bayode Ogunmola, commended the AGILE Project for supporting government efforts to strengthen security infrastructure and improve learning conditions in public schools.
Ogunmola described the CCTV initiative as a strategic investment in the safety of students and staff and urged school administrators to apply the knowledge acquired during the training to ensure effective utilisation and sustainability of the facilities.