UAT VC Urges Host Communities to Support Safe, Student-Friendly Environment

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Africa Toru-Orua, Solomon Tamarabrakemi Ebobrah, has called on youth leaders in host communities to create a safe and supportive environment that encourages student welfare and academic stability.

Ebobrah made the appeal during a courtesy visit by members of the Sagbama Constituency One Youth Forum to the university’s management at the Vice-Chancellor’s boardroom. He stressed that the conduct of host communities plays a decisive role in shaping parents’ confidence in sending their children to study at the institution.

He acknowledged the university’s financial limitations in directly addressing community needs but noted that its presence has significantly boosted the local economy. He urged community leaders to maintain cordial relationships with students, emphasizing that they should be treated with understanding and support rather than hostility in challenging situations.

The Vice-Chancellor also commended the youth leaders’ interest in strengthening security around the institution, describing it as a positive development for both the university and its host communities. He advised them to exercise restraint in leadership and operate within the bounds of the law.

He further disclosed that the university is open to collaborating with the forum to establish a structured security framework in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the Toru-Orua Division.

Supporting the initiative, the Divisional Police Officer of the Toru-Orua Command, Idowu, said joint efforts between the youth forum, the university, and law enforcement would help prevent emerging criminal activities in the area. He added that the university management has continued to caution students against unsafe practices, including frequenting waterfronts.

Speaking on behalf of the youth forum, its president, Joseph Ediruo, expressed appreciation for the engagement and affirmed the group’s willingness to partner with the university to enhance safety and protect lives and property. He noted that the presence of two universities in Sagbama Local Government Area has led to increased population movement, which, while economically beneficial, has also introduced challenges such as drug abuse and theft.

The university’s Registrar, Akpoebi Adesi, thanked the visiting delegation and described the engagement as timely, highlighting its importance in strengthening collaboration between the institution and its host communities.