Makinde: Govt Has Engaged Amotekun to Protect Varsity Staff, Students

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has assured the people of the commitment of his administration to continue to secure higher institutions in the state, disclosing that the state government has engaged members of the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) also known as Amotekun and other security agencies to protect staff and students of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan.

Makinde made the declaration at the weekend while speaking at the 2024/2025 convocation ceremonies of the university.

The event was attended by the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Adesola Ajayi, top government functionaries, principal officers of the institution, among others.

Makinde said the state government understands the peculiarity of the location of the institution and has engaged security agencies to tackle any form of security challenges,  stating that the state has established an Amotekun base at the entrance of the institution to forestall any form of security breach in the institution.

Makinde, who was represented by his Deputy, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, maintained that the university, just like all other institutions, is facing some challenges especially in the areas of funding and infrastructure, noting that other measures being taken to tackle insecurity in the area include the erection of perimeter fencing around the institution.

Makinde said: “We have strengthened campus security through collaborations with Amotekun and other agencies to guarantee safe learning environments. Like many universities across Nigeria, Tech-U faces significant challenges, especially in funding and infrastructure. I assure you that this administration remains committed to offering the critical support needed to realize the unique vision of this university.”

The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ajayi, in his address, said the institution is well equipped at preparing its students for future challenges, particularly to be job providers and not employment seekers, stating that the graduating students who are 183 are from different faculties and various fields of the institution.

He said: “Today, we celebrate the graduation of yet another set of vibrant, competent and industry-ready graduates who have completed their programmes in the faculties of Natural and Applied Science, Engineering and Technology, and, for the first time, Environmental Sciences and Management.”

While speaking on the scorecards of the management of the institution, Ajayi explained that new programmes have been approved by the National Universities Comission (NUC) for two additional programmes which include Nursing Science and Medical Laboratory Science, adding that new faculties and Postgraduate College have been approved by the Senate among other developments.