AAUA VC seeks stronger DSS presence, intelligence sharing to tackle security threats
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Prof. Tomola Obamuyi, has called for stronger presence of the Department of State Services (DSS) and enhanced intelligence gathering and information sharing to strengthen security within the institution and its host communities.
Obamuyi made the call in Akungba Akoko yesterday when the State Director of the DSS, Mr. Sagir Samaila, paid a courtesy visit to him.
The Vice Chancellor described the visit as an opportunity to deepen engagement with one of the critical pillars of the nation’s security architecture, while commending the DSS for its efforts towards safeguarding the University community.
He, however, urged the Service to strengthen its collaboration with the University management, particularly against the backdrop of prevailing security challenges across the country, to prevent potential threats and ensure prompt response to emergencies.
According to him, timely and reliable information sharing and effective intelligence management would enable the University management and security agencies to identify emerging threats early and take appropriate preventive measures.
Obamuyi also called for the deployment of more DSS operatives to the University and its host communities, saying their increased presence would enhance surveillance, supervision and the overall security architecture around the institution.
He said the visit was particularly timely, noting that institutions of learning could not afford to overlook proactive security measures given the security challenges confronting different parts of the country.
The Vice Chancellor assured the DSS of the University’s continued support for initiatives and collaborations aimed at protecting the lives and property of students, staff and other members of the University community.
He stressed the need for more robust intelligence gathering and effective information sharing among security agencies, the University management and other relevant stakeholders, maintaining that accurate and timely intelligence was critical to preventing security breaches.
“Stronger collaboration among security agencies, the University Management and other relevant stakeholders will further enhance the capacity of the institution to respond effectively to emerging security concerns,” he said.
Earlier, Samaila said the purpose of the visit was primarily to congratulate Obamuyi on his assumption of office as Vice Chancellor and wish him a successful tenure.
He assured the Vice Chancellor of the DSS’s readiness to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and security within the University and its environs.
Samaila noted that AAUA remained important to the Service because of its large population of students and staff, stressing that the DSS considered itself a stakeholder in the security of Akoko and Ondo State.
He further assured the University of the Service’s willingness to collaborate with the institution on security-related initiatives, adding that sustained cooperation and information sharing remained essential to maintaining a safe and secure environment conducive to teaching, learning and research.
