The Vice-Chancellor, Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Ijagun, Professor Samuel Ekundayo Oladipo, MNPA, CMCPN, MCAN, FIELPN has expressed concern over rising insecurity in the University’s host communities, declaring that the institution will no longer tolerate criminal activities threatening the safety of students and residents.
Prof. Oladipo made this known during the meeting of the University Security Committee Stakeholders held at the University Campus, Ijagun, Ogun State.
The meeting which brought together key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, student representatives, and government officials to deliberate on strategies for enhancing security within the University and its host communities.
The Vice-Chancellor, who recently assumed office described security as a top priority of his administration, stressing that meaningful academic pursuits can only thrive in a peaceful and secure environment.
According to him, “Knowledge cannot thrive in an atmosphere of terror. Education collapses under the weight of fear.”
He further emphasised the need for collective action to address growing criminal activities in the University environment.
Prof. Oladipo noted with concern that communities hosting the University, including Ijagun, Ijele, Imaweje, Abapawa, Ifesowapo, and Ogbo, had recently witnessed incidents of armed robbery, rape, cult-related violence, and other criminal activities affecting students and residents.
He identified the absence of a coordinated vigilante structure across the host communities as one of the major factors enabling criminal elements to operate unchecked.
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted other security concerns confronting the institution and its surrounding Communities, including the proliferation of unregistered private hostels without adequate security arrangements, the influx of undocumented residents, poor road networks, and inadequate street lighting.
He further expressed concern over reports of illicit drug activities within the host communities, alleging that some residents aid criminal elements through the sale of narcotics.
As part of measures to address the security challenges, Prof. Oladipo announced the introduction of a compulsory registration policy for all off-campus student hostels.
He warned that landlords who fail to comply with University regulations or provide adequate security measures would have their properties blacklisted, while students residing in such hostels would be advised to relocate.
The Vice-Chancellor also called on Community leaders to unite and establish a coordinated vigilante network across the six host communities to strengthen local security architecture.
He urged security agencies to intensify surveillance through tactical motorcycle patrols and foot operations, especially in difficult terrains, while calling on relevant authorities to dismantle drug hotspots and criminal hideouts.
Addressing students through the Students’ Union leadership, Prof. Oladipo stressed the importance of discipline and cautioned against unnecessary late-night movements, revealing that the University would soon implement stricter security and monitoring measures to enhance students’ safety.
He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to collaborating with the Ogun State and Federal Governments to improve security infrastructure, road networks, and street lighting within the affected Communities.
Speaking at the meeting, the Divisional Police Officer, Igbeba Division, CSP Adeyemi Mutala, congratulated the Vice-Chancellor on his appointment and assured him of the continued support of the Nigerian Police Force in safeguarding lives and property within the University environment and host communities.
He, however, advised members of the University Community against obstructing security personnel in the discharge of their lawful duties, urging responsible conduct regarding the recording of officers during operations.
Also speaking, the Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Emmanuel Isijola, appealed to the Students’ Union and members of the public to support efforts aimed at combating drug abuse and trafficking. He described drug abuse and criminality as interconnected challenges that require collective efforts to overcome and urged citizens not to remain silent in the face of the menace.
The meeting had in attendance representatives of the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, So-Safe Corps, traditional rulers, community leaders, University Management, and student leaders, among other stakeholders.
