The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has assured parents and guardians that the institution remains committed to the safety and security of students amid prevailing security concerns in Kogi State.
Speaking at an expanded security stakeholders’ meeting held at the University Council Chamber, Professor Ogbo said the university had taken proactive steps to strengthen security on campus and its environs.
He said the institution recently donated two branded operational vehicles to security agencies to support anti-cultism operations, while also partnering with the host community to enhance surveillance and improve the protection of students.
The Vice-Chancellor explained that the meeting brought together members of the university community, security agencies, traditional rulers and other key stakeholders to review the security situation and adopt strategies aimed at strengthening security within and around the institution.
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Prof. Usman announced the donation of two (2) operational vehicles to security operatives in the university to increase the operational efficiency of the various security unit of the university.
Ogbo noted that the patrol Vans were purchased as part of the university’s deliberate efforts to stamp out criminal activities, including cult-related activities and other social vices within and around the university community.
The Vice-Chancellor said that “the University Management remains committed to maintaining a secured campus through sustained collaboration with security agencies, traditional institutions, and relevant stakeholders.”
He said that one of the vehicles had been dedicated to anti-cultism operations (Joint Security & Anti – Cultism Squad) whilst the second would strengthen routine security patrols within the University and its environs(Security Patrol Team).
Ogbo said the University Management Committee (UMC) also approved the reconstitution of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee and the Examination Misconduct Committee to strengthen discipline and ensure the effective enforcement of the University’s rules and regulations.
Prof. Usman also said that “the establishment of a Committee on Behavioural Change and Cult Renunciation to identify, counsel, and rehabilitate students involved in anti-social activities.”
He noted that the initiative would provide an opportunity for affected students to renounce unlawful associations and embrace responsible conduct, warning that those who refused to desist from criminal activities would face the full wrath of the law.
He urged members of the public to disregard a viral video circulating on social media that falsely linked cult activities to Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, clarifying that the incident neither happened in the University nor in Kogi State. He described the video as misleading and malicious, circulated with the intention of creating unnecessary panic.
Prof. Usman expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his support and commitment to strengthening the university’s security architecture.
He also acknowledged the continued mentorship and support of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, which, he noted, had significantly impacted the peaceful and agreeable academic environment in the University.
In their separate remarks, the Ogohi Onu-Anyigba, Shaibu Okolo, and the Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area, Mr. John Urah Ikani commended the University’s Management for its proactive approach to security and pledged their continued support towards sustaining peace and safety within the university community.
The meeting was attended by heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, representatives of the host community and other stakeholders, who unanimously reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the University’s efforts at maintaining a safe and secure environment for teaching, learning and research.
