Nigerian Army Pledges to Stop Cultism, other Security Challenges in AE-FUNAI

The Commander, 24 Engineering Regiment of the Nigerian Army, Nkwagwu military cantonment, Ebonyi State, Lt. Col. A.S Atumode,  has pledged the support of the Nigerian army towards stemming the tide of cultism and other related security challenges in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike AE-FUNAI, Ebonyi State.

The Commander gave the assurance during a courtesy call on the  Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Sunday Elom where he also promised to partner with the University in ensuring the security of lives and property on the campus and its environs.

Atumode while making his remarks during the visit said the military understands that every society is as strong as its educational base; as such, they recognize the place of the academia in the development of society.

He added that critical to every research and development effort in any nation is the University, pointing out that over time the military has learnt to establish cordial relationship and partnership with universitY since their research and development efforts have always been powered by the academia.

He further stated that the Nkwagu military cantonment plays a crucial role in the security of Ebonyi State and by extension that of the University, explaining that from time to time, they go round to make sure the area is well secured and would continue to do that.

He also observed that the Cantonment has had a cordial relationship with the University, and therefore assures the University Management of consolidating on the already existing relationship, even as he averred that one of the crucial challenges that affects most Universities in Nigeria is cultism, and therefore their partnership with the university will curb such nefarious activities on campus.

While responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elom who was visibly delighted to have the cantonment commander in the University, said he was Specially happy about their security support to the University, especially during the Students’ Union Election which took place in December 2022.

He noted that the university was established in 2011 with 3 Faculties but now has 11 Faculties, including a postgraduate school and a college of medical sciences, and still growing.

He also explained that the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Employability of the University has organized some hands-on workshops and skill acquisition trainings for wives of officers and men of the cantonment, to help them acquire life skills that could help them become self-reliant and supportive to their various families.

Continuing, Prof Elom assured that the University has zero tolerance for cultism and other related social vices, and expressed his optimism in establishing a working relationship with the military to curb the menace of cultism in the University.