Egbewole seeks stronger NSCDC support to protect off-campus students

By Tajudeen Babamale

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has urged the Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to intensify efforts towards safeguarding the lives and property of students of the institution residing off-campus, particularly those living in the adjoining Oke-Odo area of Tanke.

Prof. Egbewole made the appeal last Friday (May 30, 2025) when he paid a courtesy visit to the NSCDC headquarters in Ilorin. He was accompanied on the visit by Principal Officers of the University.

Commending the leadership of the NSCDC in the state, the Vice Chancellor expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Commandant, Dr. Umar Mohammed, in maintaining security and order, noting that the positive security situation in the state has had a ripple effect on the University and its environs.

Prof. Egbewole stated that while the University Management remains deeply committed to the welfare and safety of its students, there are limitations to what the institution could do, especially as a significant number of its students reside off-campus. He noted that these students have recently faced growing security concerns, particularly in the Oke-Odo area.

The Vice Chancellor appealed to the NSCDC to increase surveillance and patrols in that axis to ensure that lives and property are well-protected. While he acknowledged the efforts of the Tanke Division of the NSCDC, he stressed the need for additional reinforcement to address emerging threats.

While also raising concerns about the increasing activities of herders around the University’s perimeter, the Vice Chancellor observed that a university should be a serene and secure academic environment, but the presence of herders has disrupted this ideal. Hence, he called on the NSCDC’s Agro-Rangers Unit to intervene and help curtail the menace to the barest minimum, if not eradicate it entirely.

Prof. Egbewole further highlighted the issue of vandalism and economic sabotage affecting the University. He stated that while the institution has mechanisms to track and apprehend vandals, it requires stronger support from the NSCDC to prosecute offenders and bring them to justice.

In his response, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, Dr. Umar Mohammed, pledged to reinforce security operations around the University, particularly in the Tanke area, to address growing concerns over students’ safety.

Dr Mohammed assured the Vice Chancellor that the NSCDC would strengthen its Tanke Division to meet the emerging security challenges in the area. He noted that the security of lives and property, especially that of students residing off-campus, is of paramount importance.

The Commandant acknowledged the supportive role of the Tanke community, noting that their cooperation has been instrumental in the Corps’ ongoing security efforts. He assured the University Management that this collaboration would be deepened and that more resources would be deployed to the area for effective monitoring and response.

On the issue of vandalism, Dr. Mohammed reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure. He stressed that the Corps would continue to apprehend and parade vandals in line with its core mandate to prevent economic sabotage and ensure the protection of critical national assets.

To address the growing concerns about herder encroachment and to support legitimate farming activities within the University environment, the Commandant announced that the Deputy Commandant in charge of the Agro-Rangers unit would be mobilised to assess the specific security needs of legal farmers on campus and ensure appropriate deployment.