Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Ijagun, and the Odogbolu Local Government have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration aimed at enhancing security within and around the University community following a recent security incident involving some students.
The commitment was reached at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at the University and led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Oladipo MNPA, CMCPN, MCAN, FIELPN, and the Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, Dr Babatunde Diya. The meeting brought together representatives of the University Management, the Students’ Union and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to fashion out practical and sustainable solutions to the security challenges confronting the institution and its host communities.
Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Oladipo reaffirmed the University’s unwavering commitment to the safety of students, staff and residents of neighbouring communities. He commended Dr Diya for his swift intervention and personal involvement, describing the visit as a demonstration of the Local Government’s concern for the welfare of students and its readiness to partner with the University in creating a secure environment conducive to teaching, learning and research.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the University has consistently supported security agencies through the provision of operational vehicles, fuel and other logistics to complement government efforts in safeguarding lives and property. He, however, stressed that the current security situation demands greater synergy among government, security agencies, community leaders and residents.
Issues identified at the meeting were inadequate police personnel, poor road networks, insufficient street lighting and the increasing number of unregistered residents in student-populated communities as major factors contributing to insecurity around the University environment.
The stakeholders observed that the existing police formation serving the University is no longer adequate for an institution with a student population of about 40,000. They therefore called for the immediate upgrade of the police post to a divisional headquarters with increased manpower, improved logistics and enhanced operational capacity.
The meeting also appealed to the Ogun State Government to expedite the rehabilitation of access roads leading to student residential areas and install solar-powered street lights at strategic locations to improve visibility and discourage criminal activities.
As part of measures to strengthen community security, participants resolved that a comprehensive profiling and registration exercise should be undertaken within student-hosting communities to identify legitimate residents and flush out criminal elements.
In his remarks, Dr Diya assured the gathering of the Local Government’s commitment to working closely with the University and security agencies to implement the resolutions reached at the meeting. He also pledged to strengthen community surveillance and neighbourhood vigilance across the affected communities.
He also announced the Council ‘s resolve to cover the hospital bill of the injured student.
The stakeholders further underscored the need for increased investment in on-campus accommodation through the construction of additional hostels and the expansion of the University’s physical security infrastructure. According to them, accommodating more students on campus would substantially reduce their exposure to risks associated with off-campus residence.
A major outcome of the meeting was the decision to establish a joint security coordination committee comprising representatives of the University Management, security agencies, the Local Government, Community Development Associations and student bodies. The committee will drive intelligence sharing, resident profiling, security patrols and the implementation of other strategic initiatives aimed at ensuring lasting peace within the University environment.
The meeting ended with a unanimous resolve to sustain collaboration among the Ogun State Government, Odogbolu Local Government, the University, security agencies and host communities in building a safe, peaceful and enabling environment for academic excellence and community development.
The Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government was accompanied by the Vice-Chairman, Hon. Victoria Olusola Adeyinka, councillors and other senior Local Government officials. Also inqq attendance were members of the University Management, the President of the TASFUED Students’ Union, Comrade Shinayomi Ogunfowokan, and the Special Adviser, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Salako, alongside other student leaders and key stakeholders.
