Improved security shows gains in intelligence, firepower – Egbewole
By Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has commended the improved security situation in the country, attributing the development to enhanced intelligence gathering and increased operational capacity of the nation’s security forces.
Prof. Egbewole stated this last Wednesday (August 19, 2026) when he received the Commander, 303 Composite Group, Nigerian Air Force, Ilorin, Group Captain Lukman Akande Lawal, who visited him in his office.
The Vice Chancellor said he had no doubt that the security situation in Nigeria had changed significantly in the last few months, noting that the development indicated improvements in intelligence gathering and firepower.
He, however, stressed the need for the country to move beyond merely responding to security threats to preventing their recurrence, saying the Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Air Force, had the capacity to achieve this objective.
Prof. Egbewole, who appreciated the longstanding collaboration between the University of Ilorin and the Nigerian Air Force, said the relationship had continued to give the University confidence in the safety and security of its community.
While urging the Air Force to include the University campus in its routine patrols, the Vice Chancellor noted that such a measure would further strengthen the existing security arrangements. He also appreciated the 303 Composite Group for accommodating University students undergoing Industrial Training (IT), describing the gesture as a valuable aspect of the partnership.
Speaking earlier, Group Captain Lawal said the purpose of the visit was to reaffirm the readiness of the 303 Composite Group to sustain and strengthen its existing relationship with the University of Ilorin.
He explained that the Nigerian Air Force was responsible for protecting the nation’s territorial integrity while complementing the efforts of the Army and Navy in maintaining national security.
Group Captain Lawal said the 303 Composite Group, located at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Oloje, Ilorin, was a key tactical unit responsible for regional airspace security and participation in joint internal security operations.
According to him, the unit also provides military aid to civil authorities through educational and healthcare services, including a primary school, kindergarten and medical services for its personnel and members of the host community.
He noted that the Group maintained a strong presence at the Ilorin International Airport, in collaboration with the relevant civil authorities, to manage and control flight operations into and out of Ilorin and facilitate VIP movements.
Group Captain Lawal said the unit had maintained an aggressive posture against banditry in the state and would sustain its efforts in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure that Kwara State remained safe and secure.
He also disclosed that the 303 Composite Group remained open to admitting University of Ilorin students for Industrial Training, describing the opportunity as part of the existing partnership between the two institutions.
The Commander expressed confidence that continued collaboration between the University and the Nigerian Air Force would contribute significantly to achieving their shared security and developmental objectives.
