Ogun Varsity strengthens ties with police, Amotekun, others over campus security

The management of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, TASFUED, located in Ijagun, Ogun State, has bolstered partnerships with various security agencies to bolster campus and community safety. A recent strategic meeting brought together representatives from the Ogun State Police Command, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Security Network Agency, Amotekun, and So-Safe Corps.

The discussions centered around intelligence sharing, security infrastructure improvements, personnel deployment, and coordinated responses to emerging threats.

At the Police headquarters in Abeokuta, the delegation, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof Samuel Oladipo, praised Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni for his swift response to security incidents and efforts to apprehend suspects. Prof Oladipo emphasized the importance of a sustained operational relationship with the police to enhance surveillance and rapid intervention.

He also proposed the establishment of an additional police post in one of the university's host communities and called for improved road access to support security operations.

In response, CP Ojajuni identified insufficient perimeter fencing, inadequate road infrastructure, and the dispersion of students across surrounding areas as significant security challenges. The police command pledged to reinforce its presence around the university, strengthen the existing police post, and review personnel deployment accordingly.

At the NSCDC headquarters, the team met with State Commandant Remilekun Ekundayo to discuss intelligence sharing, emergency response, and protection against theft, cultism, drug abuse, vandalism, and kidnapping. Ekundayo stressed the importance of proactive planning, credible intelligence, and sustained collaboration, reaffirming the corps' readiness to cooperate with the university.

The university administration pledged to reinforce its perimeter fencing, install security gadgets, improve lighting at strategic locations, and provide motorcycles to assist security agencies. They are also in talks with private developers to provide additional student accommodation within the campus, aiming to enhance monitoring and safety.

Amotekun's Corps Commander, Brig. Gen. Alade Adedigba (rtd), expressed the state government's commitment to protecting schools and ensuring a secure environment for socio-economic development. He urged the university to expedite the completion of its perimeter fence and assured ongoing support from the agency.

Finally, at the So-Safe Corps headquarters, discussions with State Commander Soji Ganzallo focused on intelligence sharing, community participation, and operational capacity. Ganzallo highlighted the need for community engagement and the involvement of traditional rulers and leaders in identifying risks and sharing credible information.

The university management acknowledged that effective security encompasses more than law enforcement and stressed the importance of adequate infrastructure, accessible roads, functional surveillance systems, and community involvement.