G and C Dept. holds security awareness practicum for secondary school students
By Bashir Dawodu
The Department of Guidance and Counselling, University of Ilorin, has conducted its 2026 practicum outreach programme on “Security Awareness and Personal Safety among Secondary School Students” as part of efforts targeted at promoting safety consciousness among young learners.
The outreach formed part of the Department’s CED 430 (Practicum in Counselling), a core undergraduate course designed to equip students with practical counselling skills and prepare them for professional practice.
The programme was held penultimate Thursday (June 25, 2026) and Friday (June 26, 2026) at Basin/Fate Senior Secondary School, Fate, and Government Day Secondary School (Senior),Tanke, Ilorin, following the approval secured from the Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development.
The initiative aimed at enhancing students’ awareness of security issues by equipping them with practical knowledge and skills for personal safety. Participants were taught how to identify potential security threats, respond appropriately to suspicious situations and promptly report unusual activities within their schools and communities.
Speaking during the programme, a police officer and resource person, Mr L. Akawa, urged the students to remain vigilant, law-abiding and proactive in ensuring their personal safety.
Mr Akawa advised them to report suspicious movements and activities to trusted adults, school authorities or relevant security agencies, stressing that maintaining a secure environment requires collective responsibility.
Also addressing the participants, a retired military officer Mr T. O. Arowosegbe, underscored the importance of security awareness among young people, noting that students have a vital role to play in promoting peace and safety within their schools and communities.
He encouraged them to remain alert, avoid risky situations and cooperate with security personnel whenever necessary.
The Acting Head of the Department of Guidance and Counselling, Dr S. K. Ajiboye, described CED 430 as a practical course that exposes students to the professional responsibilities expected of counsellors after graduation. He commended the Department’s Professors and staff for sustaining the quality of the practicum through their commitment, guidance and active participation.
Dr Ajiboye also appreciated the Kwara State Government for its efforts in providing a safe learning environment despite prevailing security challenges across the country. He called on stakeholders in the education sector to accord security education the attention it deserves in order to strengthen safety in schools and communities.
On his part, the Level Adviser and Course Coordinator of CED 430, Dr O. K. Ogungbade, described the issues discussed during the outreach as critical to societal development.
According to him, educating young people on security awareness and personal safety is essential to raising responsible and security-conscious citizens.
The interactive sessions highlighted the importance of collaboration among schools, families, communities and security agencies in creating a safe learning environment. Students were encouraged to report security concerns without fear while demonstrating vigilance, responsibility and active civic engagement.
The outreach reflects the commitment of the Department to producing competent professional counsellors capable of addressing contemporary societal challenges through preventive and developmental counselling interventions.
The initiative also demonstrates the commitment of the University to community engagement and the holistic development of learners through practical educational experiences.
Among the dignitaries at the programme were Prof. Mary G. Fajonyomi, Prof. Mary O. Esere, Dr Falilat A. Okesina, Dr Mulikat L. A. Mustapha, Dr Lydia A. Agubosi, Dr D. O. Adebayo, Dr M. Ajokpaniovo, Dr Adenike A. Adeboye, Dr A. O. Awoyemi, Dr Busayo O. Ajibola, Dr Khadijat Magaji-Yusuf and Mrs Nafisat O. Ariyo.
Representatives of the Association of Professional Counsellors in Nigeria (APROCON), who also attended the event included its Chairman, Dr Usman Abdulkareem, and Assistant Secretary, Mr Shamsudeen Zubair, among others.
