Alfanla seeks broader recognition of FFS’s mandate
By Tajudeen Babamale
The Registrar of the University of Ilorin, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, has called for a review of the name of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) to reflect its broader responsibilities in public safety, emergency response and property protection beyond firefighting.
Mr Alfanla made the call last Tuesday (October 13, 2026) when the Kwara State Controller of the Federal Fire Service, ACF Ibrahim Sarafadeen, paid him a familiarisation visit in his office.
The Registrar said that he understood that beyond firefighting, the FFS plays critical roles in fire prevention, safety inspections, emergency rescue, public enlightenment, disaster response and the enforcement of fire safety standards, among others.
He commended the Service for its sustained support to the University and the state, noting that its interventions had helped prevent fire incidents from causing extensive damage to property on several occasions.
He also appreciated the Command for its contributions to staff development, noting that the University prioritised professional training and ensured that its personnel, including those in the Fire Unit, acquire the relevant skills to perform their duties effectively.
Mr Alfanla stated that the University conducted regular fire safety audits and maintained functional fire extinguishers across its buildings, adding that the Fire Unit periodically trained members of staff on appropriate responses to fire emergencies.
The Registrar further noted that the University Management remained committed to professional development with staff members encouraged to participate in relevant training programmes to improve their competence.
Earlier, ACF Sarafadeen explained that his visit was part of the Federal Fire Service’s mandate to engage institutions and assess their fire safety arrangements.
He commended the University Management for establishing a fire station on campus, describing the facility as an important component of emergency preparedness, particularly in a large institution with a substantial population of students and staff.
While warning that delays in accessing emergency assistance could result in significant losses, as fires could destroy property worth billions of naira within minutes, the Controller said that fire stations within institutions were necessary because the Service could not respond to emergencies everywhere simultaneously.
ACF Sarafadeen also stressed the importance of periodic fire safety audits and continuous professional training to keep personnel abreast of emerging knowledge and best practices in fire prevention and emergency response.
He noted that the Federal Ministry of Interior had directed the Service to conduct fire safety audits, adding that, such assessments were essential for identifying risks and ensuring compliance with established safety standards.
Also speaking, the Ag. Director of Security of the University of Ilorin, Mr Paul Ogidi, reaffirmed the commitment of the University Community to professionalism and continuous staff development. He noted that training remained essential to improving personnel competence and service delivery.
He announced that one of the University’s Fire Service Officers had recently returned from a training programme organised by the Federal Fire Service, adding that, such initiatives would strengthen the capacity of personnel to respond effectively to fire emergencies and other safety challenges on campus.
