Campus News

VC urges police to intensify security in off-campus areas

By Tajudeen Babamale

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has appealed to the Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Police to intensify surveillance and security efforts in the off-campus areas surrounding the University to ensure that students live in comfort, regardless of where they reside.

            The Vice Chancellor made the appeal penultimate Friday (May 16, 2025), when he led Principal Officers and other officials of the University on a familiarisation visit to the newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Mr Adekimi Ojo, at the State Police Command headquarters.

 Prof. Egbewole, who expressed concern over the persistent harassment and insecurity faced by the students living off campus, stressed the need for increased police presence in those areas to ensure the safety and well-being of students, thereby allowing them to focus on their academic pursuits without fear.

            The Vice Chancellor noted that the welfare and security of students are of utmost importance to the University Administration, saying, “Our students are the reason we are employed as staff of this institution. No matter where they reside, their safety and comfort must be a top priority”.

            Prof. Egbewole also raised concerns about the activities of herdsmen around the University premises. He said despite several warnings and efforts by the University, the herders continue to encroach on the campus, posing risks to students and staff.

            While urging the police to intervene and prevent the situation from escalating into a larger crisis, the Vice Chancellor lamented that despite repeated warnings, herders continue to harass students and staff and encroach on the campus.

            Also speaking on the issue of vandalisation of cables within the campus, the Vice Chancellor called on the Police to apply stricter measures against vandals to deter future occurrences. He said, “Acts of vandalism should be met with stiffer penalties. This will serve as a deterrent to others. As a University, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy on cultism and other vices. However, we rely on the police to help secure areas beyond our internal capacity”.

            Prof. Egbewole congratulated the new Commissioner of Police on his promotion and deployment to Kwara State, assuring him of the University’s continued cooperation with the police command. “We are pleased to be associated with the Nigeria Police Force. You have consistently responded to our requests and proven to be dependable partners in maintaining peace and order. This visit by me and my team is a deliberate gesture to express our appreciation to the Command,” he submitted.

            While responding to the Vice Chancellor, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Mr  Adekimi Ojo, commended the University of Ilorin on its unwavering commitment to discipline and zero tolerance for cultism, describing it as a key factor in the institution’s uninterrupted academic calendar and peaceful atmosphere.

            The Police Commissioner noted that the high level of discipline instilled in Unilorin students has contributed significantly to the ease of policing the University environment. He acknowledged that the fear of disciplinary consequences, including expulsion, has deterred students from engaging in criminal or anti-social behavior.

            According to the Police boss, the stability of the University’s academic calendar is a direct result of the institution’s success in eradicating cult-related activities from its campus. He described this achievement as a remarkable virtue that distinguishes the University from many of its counterparts.

            Mr Ojo, who mentioned the strong and cordial relationship between the police command and the university management, stated that, the University of Ilorin remains one of the most preferred institutions among admission seekers and parents across the country, largely because of its consistent and reliable academic calendar.

            While addressing security concerns raised by the Vice Chancellor regarding the activities of herders, the Police Commissioner acknowledged that the problem extends beyond the University of Ilorin. However, he pledged that the Command would no longer treat the issue lightly. He noted that the police would begin to take decisive steps, including prosecuting cattle owners and herders who are found disturbing the peace within and around the University community.

            He also responded to reports that incidents of cable vandalism on the University campus have reduced, expressing satisfaction with the progress made. Nonetheless, he said the Command would continue to go after those who remain undeterred by existing measures and ensure that such acts are met with the full weight of the law.

            The Police Commissioner appreciated the visit by the University Management and reaffirmed the commitment of the Police Command to maintaining a secure and supportive environment for all educational institutions in the state. He described the visit as a gesture that would not be taken for granted and reiterated the readiness of the Police to continue working hand-in-hand with the University to promote peace and safety.

Also in his remarks, the Ag Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Akanmu, who corroborated the Vice Chancellor’s concerns, disclosed that the University is stepping up its efforts to combat drug abuse among students.

            Dr Akanmu stated that the institution recognises the far-reaching consequences of drug abuse on students’ academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being. In light of this, he said the University has launched several proactive initiatives aimed at curbing the menace.

            Joining the Vice Chancellor on the visit were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; the University Librarian, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa; the Registrar represented by the Deputy Registrar (Council Office), Mrs Mary Olayemi; the Bursar, represented by the Deputy Bursar, Mr Mohammed Jimoh Akanbi; the Ag Director of Security, Mr Paul Ogidi; and the Deputy Registrar (Vice Chancellor’s Office), Mrs Azeezat Quadri Ibrahim, among others.