AE-FUNAI To Deploy Private Security Operatives To Curb Campus Crime

The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, has disclosed plans to deploy private security operatives across the university campus as part of measures to strengthen security and safeguard lives and property within the university community.

Prof. Nwachukwu made the disclosure during a management engagement with the Students Union Government (SUG), held recently at the Vice-Chancellor’s conference room, where he addressed concerns bordering on security, student welfare, infrastructure and academic development.

Addressing the SUG Executive, the Vice-Chancellor said the decision became necessary following reports of theft, vandalism and other security breaches within the university campus. He noted that the deployment of private security personnel would complement existing security arrangements and help create a more secure atmosphere for students and staff.

According to him, security remains a collective responsibility and all members of the university community must remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to curb criminal activities on campus.

As part of measures to improve students’ welfare, Prof. Nwachukwu assured the union of the university management’s commitment to improving institutional services through the digitalization of key processes, adding that efforts were underway to make payment systems and other administrative procedures more seamless in order to reduce delays and enhance service delivery.

He also revealed plans by the university management to attract a private philanthropic individual to construct a permanent secretariat for the Students' Union Government (SUG), stressing that the facility would provide a befitting administrative base for the union and enhance its capacity to serve students effectively.

He equally disclosed that management is considering the procurement of a bus for the Students' Union Government to facilitate its operations and improve service delivery to the student body.

Speaking further, Prof. Nwachukwu encouraged students to take advantage of the Federal Government's Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) initiative to support their academic pursuits, describing it as a valuable intervention designed to ease the financial burden of higher education.

He urged eligible students to apply for the loan scheme, noting that it provides an opportunity for undergraduates to continue their studies without undue financial pressure.

Reacting to the Vice-Chancellor’s remarks, the SUG President, Comrade Kelvin Ipere Nwankwo expressed profound appreciation to the university management for what he described as a student-centred approach to leadership and development. He commended Prof. Nwachukwu for his commitment to addressing issues affecting students, particularly in the areas of security, welfare and infrastructural development.

According to him, the proposed deployment of private security operatives, construction of SUG secretariat and provision of a union bus demonstrate management’s genuine concern for the wellbeing and progress of students. He assured the union’s unwavering support in ensuring the successful implementation of the initiatives, while pledging that the Student Government would continue to work closely with the university administration to promote peace, security and academic excellence on campus.