By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The management of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) has strengthened its campus security architecture through a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Army 21 Battalion in a renewed effort to curb cultism and other criminal activities within the university community.
Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Salisu Ogbo Usman, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the Commanding Officer of the 21 Battalion Nigerian Army, Godiya Solomon Monday, to the university management at Anyigba.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to deliberate on practical security strategies and deepen collaboration aimed at ensuring a peaceful and conducive academic environment for students, staff and residents of Anyigba.
Prof. Usman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property on campus, stressing that security remains a top priority for the university leadership.
He commended the Nigerian Army for its proactive presence in the community and its sustained efforts in maintaining peace and stability within the university environment.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the institution had already commenced a feasibility study to identify security “flashpoints” across the campus and surrounding areas associated with crime and other security breaches.
According to him, the initiative forms part of proactive measures by the university management to address emerging threats and prevent criminal activities before they escalate.
Prof. Usman stressed the importance of fostering a strong working relationship between the university and the Army, noting that sustained collaboration would help to significantly reduce cultism, violent clashes and other social vices within the campus.
He also reiterated the university’s ban on “sign-out celebrations,” describing the practice as capable of triggering disorder and security breaches within the academic environment.
However, the Vice-Chancellor clarified that Final Year Brethren (FYB) Week celebrations would still be permitted but under strict supervision and in accordance with established institutional guidelines.
“No compromise will be made on security matters. We are determined to provide a safe atmosphere for learning and research, while protecting the welfare of our staff and students,” he said.
In his response, Lt.-Col. Monday assured the university management of the Nigerian Army’s readiness to support efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security within the institution.
He disclosed that the battalion already maintains a permanent operational presence within the university community, adding that improvements were ongoing in its facilities to enhance security infrastructure and operational efficiency.
“We are doing our best to ensure that the university environment remains safe for everyone. With coordinated efforts and regular engagement with the university management, incidents of crime and cult-related activities can be effectively curtailed,” he said.
Both the university management and the Army command reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration, mutual support and proactive engagement to maintain a safe, stable and conducive environment for academic and social activities within the university community.