FUL, Police Strengthen Security Partnership As Vice-Chancellor Seeks Expanded Support For University Community

The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Kogi State Command, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening security collaboration aimed at improving safety within the university environment and expanding institutional cooperation.

The renewed partnership was reinforced during a strategic visit by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, who led the university management team to the Kogi State Police Command headquarters on Monday.

The delegation was received by the Commissioner of Police, Nasiru Bello Kankarofi, MNI, the 40th Commissioner of Police of the command.

Speaking during the engagement, Professor Ibileye appreciated the police command for its longstanding support to the institution, particularly in the areas of security surveillance, intelligence sharing, and protection of lives and property within and around the university community.

He recalled that the university, established in 2011 and commencing academic activities in 2012 with two faculties, eleven departments, and 235 pioneer students, has grown into a major federal institution with 17 faculties, two colleges, more than 18 centres and directorates, and a student population estimated at about 30,000.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasized the need for stronger and more structured security support as the university continues to expand academically and physically.

He also appealed for increased collaboration between the police command and the university in areas beyond security operations, particularly postgraduate education, encouraging personnel of the command to take advantage of academic opportunities available within the institution.

Professor Ibileye noted that the visible participation of police personnel during university activities such as inaugural lectures, public events, and convocation ceremonies has helped improve confidence and deter criminal activity around the institution.

He further stressed the importance of continuous educational development for security personnel, arguing that academic advancement can contribute to improved professionalism, morale, and service delivery within law enforcement institutions.

Responding, Commissioner of Police Nasiru Bello Kankarofi described the visit as strategic and beneficial to both institutions, assuring the university management of the command’s continued support.

He stated that the police command remains committed to sustaining its productive relationship with the university and providing the necessary security support required to maintain a safe academic environment.

According to him, the command is prepared to respond promptly to the university’s security needs whenever required, emphasizing that safeguarding educational institutions remains part of the police mandate.

The Commissioner added that the engagement would further deepen cooperation between both institutions and strengthen existing operational ties toward ensuring stability and security across the university community.