McPherson University Addresses Campus Security Challenges: Stakeholders Emphasize Collective Vigilance
McPherson University in Ogun State convened a seminar titled "Managing Campus Security: The Roles of Members of Staff" to address the escalating security challenges in Nigeria's education sector.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
In response to the escalating security threats within the Nigerian education sector, McPherson University, located in Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State, hosted a seminar on Thursday, February 29, 2024. The event, organized under the auspices of the Campus Security Committee, brought together key stakeholders from the education sector and security agencies to deliberate on strategies to address the prevailing security concerns.
Themed "Managing Campus Security: The Roles of Members of Staff," the seminar was held at the University Multipurpose Hall. Welcoming participants, Prof. Francis Igbasan, the Vice-Chancellor of McPherson University, underscored the importance of regular discussions on security matters. He emphasized that ensuring the safety and security of the university community is a collective responsibility that extends beyond security personnel to every member of the institution.
Dr. Paul Ojo, a security expert and faculty member in the Department of International Relations, set the tone for the discourse by defining security as the protection of lives and properties. He cited Section 14(2) of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution, emphasizing the government's primary responsibility for the security and welfare of the people. Dr. Ojo advocated for citizen collaboration through intelligence sharing and adherence to the law as essential measures to combat insecurity.
Addressing the multifaceted nature of security challenges in tertiary institutions, Dr. Ojo identified both internal and external factors contributing to the problem. Internal challenges such as cultism, drug abuse, sexual harassment, and examination malpractices were highlighted, alongside external factors like government policies and breaches of campus security protocols. He warned against the potential consequences of mismanagement, including the leakage of sensitive information and institutional discord.
CSP Oluwaseyi Lala, the Senior Security Officer and Head of the University's Security Unit, emphasized the importance of proactive prevention in safeguarding the university community. He expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of internet fraud, cyber stalking, and kidnapping among students, urging stakeholders to address these issues collectively. CSP Lala called upon academic staff to mentor students positively and redirect their energies away from criminal activities.
Stakeholders unanimously agreed that ensuring a safe and secure campus environment is a shared responsibility. They advocated for heightened security consciousness among all members of the university community and advised staff to exercise caution in their public communications and online activities to prevent security breaches. Measures such as issuing security alerts, deploying well-trained personnel, installing surveillance equipment, and fostering collaboration with host communities were identified as crucial steps in mitigating insecurity.
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Furthermore, the seminar emphasized the significance of treating students with dignity and respect, recognizing the influential role of lecturers in shaping students' futures. Representatives from the Nigeria Army, Nigeria Police Force, and Vigilante Group of Nigeria attended the event, demonstrating the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing security challenges across tertiary institutions nationwide.
The seminar concluded with a collective commitment to implementing proactive security measures and fostering a culture of vigilance to safeguard the university community against emerging security threats.
