FUOYE Launches School Protection Squad to Combat Rising Insecurity in Schools

In a proactive effort to strengthen security in educational institutions and prevent future attacks, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), led the official launch of the School Protection Squad (SPS) at Adetiloye Hall in Ado-Ekiti. The initiative, themed “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education,” is funded by the Federal Government through the office of the Inspector General of Police and aims to safeguard schools from emerging threats such as kidnappings, cultism, and organized armed groups.

                                                                         Prof Abayomi S Fasina 

The SPS initiative arrives at a critical time for Ekiti, following the abduction of five pupils and four staff members from the Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary School in Emure-Ekiti earlier this year. This incident highlighted the need for stronger, community-driven security measures. Addressing the gathering, Fasina emphasized that proactive security frameworks, with the involvement of local communities, are essential to prevent further disruptions to education across Nigeria.

“Communities must be empowered as the first line of defense to report suspicious activities, identify crime facilitators, and protect the education sector,” Fasina stated through a paper titled The Role of Host Community Stakeholders in School Security, delivered by Professor Adebola Adewunmi Aderibigbe, Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor on Special Duties.

In collaboration with traditional rulers, local youth groups, and vigilante committees, the SPS aims to integrate community stakeholders into the security process. Schools will benefit from early warning systems, enhanced surveillance, and community-led patrols, all geared toward ensuring the safety of students and staff.

Fasina concluded by stressing that “the success of this initiative depends on the collective efforts of host communities to prevent crime at its infancy.”

With the SPS initiative, hopes are high for restoring confidence in education and creating safe learning environments throughout Ekiti, underscoring the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity and safeguarding Nigeria’s future leaders.