By Thompson Yamput
Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has donated
two branded operational vehicles to security agencies to support anti-cultism operations and enhance security and safety on campus and around the host community.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, made the donation during an Expanded Security Stakeholders’ Meeting held on Monday, at the University Council Chamber, where members of the University community, security agencies, traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders.
Usman, in a statement signed by Mrs Uredo Omale, PAAU Public Relations Officer, said that the donation
was aimed at strengthening the University’s security architecture, while the meeting was solely to deliberate on strategies for strengthening security within and around the University.
IThe Vice-Chancellor stressed the importance of the meeting at sustaining a peaceful, safe and conducive learning environment for staff, students and members of the host community.
Usman noted that the University Management remains committed to maintaining a secure campus through sustained collaboration with security agencies, traditional institutions and relevant stakeholders.
He said that two operational vehicles were purchased as part of the University’s deliberate efforts to stamp out criminal activities, including cult-related activities and other social vices within and around the University community.
According to him, one of the vehicles had been dedicated to anti-cultism operations (Joint Security & Anti – Cultism Squad) whilst the second would strengthen routine security patrols within the University and its environs(Security Patrol Team).
He disclosed further that, at its 403rd Meeting, the University Management Committee (UMC) approved the reconstitution of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee and the Examination Misconduct Committee to strengthen discipline and ensure the effective enforcement of the University’s rules and regulations.
The VC also announced the establishment of a Committee on Behavioural Change and Cult Renunciation to identify, counsel and rehabilitate students involved in anti-social activities.
“I believe that this initiative will provide an opportunity for affected students to renounce unlawful associations and embrace responsible conduct,
“But those students who refuse to desist from criminal activities will face the full wrath of the law.
“We therefore urge members of the public to disregard a viral video circulating on social media that falsely linked cult activities to Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
“This is because the incident neither happened in the University nor in Kogi State. Therefore, that video is misleading and malicious, and only circulated with the intention of creating unnecessary panic, ” he said.
Usman reassured students, parents and guardians of the University’s unwavering commitment to the safety of lives and property, adding that the institution would continue to strengthen its partnership with security agencies to eliminate all forms of criminality.
He expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his undying support, dedication and commitment to strengthening the University’s security architecture.
The VC also acknowledged the continued mentorship and support of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, which, he noted, had significantly impacted the peaceful and agreeable academic environment in the University.
In their separate remarks, the Ogohi Onu-Anyigba, HRH, Alhaji Shaibu Okolo, and the Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area, Hon. John Urah Ikani, commended the University’s Management for its proactive approach to security.
They pledged their continued support towards sustaining peace and safety within the University community.
The meeting was attended by heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, representatives of the host community and other stakeholders, who unanimously reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the University’s efforts at maintaining a safe and secure environment for teaching, learning and research.
