Kidnapping, Theft, Violence Hinders Pursuit Of Knowledge, Intellectual Growth, Says Asefon

By Khalid Idris Doya

The Presidency has observed that incidents of kidnapping, theft, and violence bid for a serious concern, as they not only threaten the safety of students, facilities, and staff, but also hinder the pursuit of knowledge and intellectual growth.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President Bola Tinubu on students engagement, Hon. Sunday Asefon who made the assertion, stressed the need for a secured academic environment as essential for fostering innovation, research, and critical thinking ingredients for a strong and prosperous Nigeria.

Comrade Sunday Asefon who was yesterday speaking at the Bauchi State academic community security retreat 2024, said, “The President through my office recognizes the critical role universities, polytechnic and colleges education play in national development.”

“This retreat is a testament to our commitment towards working together. Your presence here demonstrates your willingness to collaborate and share ideas on how to strengthen security within our institutions”.

He told the Professors, lecturers, and members of Nigeria’s academic community in Bauchi State who converged at the retreat that the Government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to supporting their efforts.

“We gather today not just to celebrate your achievements, but also to acknowledge the security challenges that our academic institutions face. Your tireless efforts in educating and inspiring the next generation are invaluable”.

Asefon added, “Let me at this juncture acknowledge the resilience, commitment of his Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed for his education transformation stride in Bauchi state, particularly in the state owned tertarity institutions”.

According to him, Bauchi state is lucky to have a education loving Governor, whose huge investment in education is obviously noticed in the infrastructure development on ground and academic expansion observed during our inspection tour.

He therefore called for increased funding for campus security infrastructure to cover improved perimeter fence, lighting, and CCTV systems where necessary as observed during the retreat. 

“There is also the need for inhanced training for school security personnel, and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to handle various security threats in our educational institutions.

“Improved collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the academic institutions: Fostering a more proactive approach to security management. Promote a culture of safety awareness within the academic community: Encouraging students and staff to report suspicious activity and practice personal security measures.

“We need your active participation in reviewing and strengthening campus security protocols. Develop effective communication channels to report incidents and promoting a sense of community vigilance, as well as dentify and address the root causes of crime in surrounding areas”.

“Let us work together government, academia, and security agencies to develop a comprehensive security strategy for our institutions. Your insights and expertise are crucial in creating a safe and thriving learning environment for all”.

He called on Nigerians generally to ensure that Universities, Polytechnic and Colleges remain beacons of knowledge fostering a future of peace, progress, and intellectual excellence.