OPENING REMARK BY HON. COMR. SUNDAY ASEFON, THE SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT ON STUDENTS ENGAGEMENT AT THE ZAMFARA STATE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY SECURITY RETREAT 2024.
Protocols.
Distinguished guests, and esteemed members of Nigeria’s academic community in Zamfara state.
On behalf of His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, I want to express his sincere gratitude for your dedication to the future of our dear nation. Your tireless efforts in educating and inspiring the next generation is highly commendable.
However, we gather here today not just to Acknowledge your effort towards shaping the future of young generation in your respective institutions, but also to acknowledge the security challenges that our academic institutions face.
Incidents of kidnapping on campuses are of cause a serious concern for the present Renewed Hope administration led by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. This menace does not only threaten the safety of students, staff and facilities but also hinder the pursuit of knowledge and intellectual growth of Nigerians student which remain a big challenge for the future of our dear country hence a need for collective approach from Unconventional angle such as this retreat.
The President through my office recognizes the critical role of basic, secondary and tertiary education to national development along side the necessity of peaceful, conducive, safe and secure learning and teaching environment at all levels.
A secure academic environment is essential for fostering innovation, research, and critical thinking – all crucial ingredients for a strong and prosperous Nigeria.
This retreat under a theme:
“Local intelligence information Gathering, sharing and communication to appropriate security apparatus”, this is a sign to our commitment to work together to complement the effort of our conventional security architectures, it’s a concept design to establish a security networking and communication among all academic institutions in the state, today we are flagging off this retreat in North West Zone Zamfara state, owing to the prevalence of such incidence around the state.
Before now, we have embarked on selected campus tour to access security formations and modalities in place, this we believe will guide us at the end of this retreat to arrive at more better recommendations to improve our campus security to boost the confidence and ascertain the safety of lives and properties around our academic communities in Zamfara state and across the Federation.
The critical stakeholders from every institution and the personnel from various security agencies presence here demonstrates your willingness to collaborate and share ideas on how to strengthen security within our institutions.
The government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to support your efforts.
We shall make recommendations for
Increased funding for campus security infrastructure to cover improved fencing, lighting, and CCTV systems most importantly around hostels, likewise advocate for expansion of campus accommodations to ease the cost on students and parents.
Enhanced training for School security personnel:
Equipping them with the skills and knowledge to handle various security threats in our educational institutions include our target goal and objectives.
Improved collaboration between law enforcement agencies within the state and academic institutions, Fostering a more proactive approach to security management among others.
Promoting a culture of safety awareness within the academic community, encouraging students and staff to promptly report suspicious activity to appropriate quarters and practice personal security measures.
However, security cannot be achieved solely through government action.
We need your active participation in Reviewing and strengthening campus security protocols.
Developing effective communication channels to report incidents and promoting a sense of community vigilance.
Identifying and addressing the root causes of crime in surrounding areas.
This retreat shall provide a platform for open dialogue and brainstorming sessions.
Let us work together with 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.
Together, we can ensure that Nigerian universities, polytechnic, colleges and other schools remain safe as beacons of knowledge, fostering a future of peace, progress, and intellectual excellence.
Thank you and God bless you all.
Photos below…
