The National Association of University Students (NAUS) has commended the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for its efforts in ensuring the safety and security of students and educational institutions across the country.
In an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NAUS highlighted the NSCDC’s success in protecting students from kidnapping, cultism, and armed robbery.
The NSCDC has carried out its activities in line with the provisions of the Act and has made landmark achievements within the limits of the available resources at its disposal. The Corps has been mandated to assist the military in managing internal security threats in the country.
The NSCDC’s peacekeeping interventions have successfully resolved volatile conflicts at universities such as the University of Abuja, University of Jos, and Obafemi Awolowo University. Additionally, the agency has established dedicated security units within university campuses, ensuring a safe and secure environment for students. Notably, the NSCDC’s efforts have significantly reduced incidents of kidnapping and cultism on campuses.
The organization praised the NSCDC’s Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for his leadership and strategic deployments that have safeguarded students, academic staff, and university infrastructure. NAUS urged the government to empower the NSCDC rather than establish new agencies with overlapping responsibilities.
NAUS also highlighted the challenges faced by the NSCDC, including resource constraints that limit its full potential. The organization called on the government to provide adequate funding, training, and equipment to enhance the agency’s effectiveness. By recognizing the NSCDC’s achievements and addressing its challenges, NAUS aims to promote a secure and conducive learning environment for Nigerian university students.
The NSCDC was established by Act 3 of 2003 with numerous security responsibilities, which were amended in 2007 to further strengthen and empower the Corps for better service delivery. As a paramilitary agency, the NSCDC plays a crucial role in internal security management in Nigeria.
The NAUS letter emphasized that empowering the NSCDC would not only save resources but also enhance the agency’s ability to protect Nigerian students and contribute to the stability and progress of the nation. The organization expressed confidence that President Tinubu’s administration would prioritize the safety of students and educational institutions.
NAUS National Deputy President, Comrade Meshach Anthony Nwankwo, signed the open letter, which was copied to key government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the Minister of Interior.
The move by NAUS has been hailed by stakeholders as a timely intervention, given the rising security concerns in Nigerian universities. Experts believe that strengthening the NSCDC’s campus security efforts will positively impact the country’s education sector.
To further enhance campus security, NAUS recommended regular joint patrols by the NSCDC and university security personnel, the installation of surveillance cameras, and the establishment of emergency response systems. These measures, according to NAUS, will ensure a proactive approach to security and foster a safer learning environment.
As the Nigerian government continues to grapple with security challenges nationwide, NAUS’s endorsement of the NSCDC’s efforts underscores the agency’s critical role in maintaining peace and stability in educational institutions.
By supporting the NSCDC, NAUS aims to promote a secure future for Nigeria’s youth and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.
