The Vice Chancellor of the Nigeria’s Premier University, University of Ibadan, Prof. K.O Adebowale, has lauded the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni, OFR for his exemplary leadership and strategic contributions to national security.
This is coming after the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan held the 2nd Strategic Lecture at the IPSS Auditorium in Ibadan, Oyo State with focus on “Roles of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Promoting National Security”.
The VC who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration Prof. Peter Olapegba said there has been notable changes of narrative in Professionalism and Service to the nation under the Audi led administration noting that the effective discharge of the Corps statutory mandate under the leadership of the NSCDC Commandant General has strategically contributed to national security.
While giving the opening remarks the Director, Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies, Prof Ruth Adio-Moses described the leadership of the NSCDC as quite exemplary empathizing on the importance of the lecture as a gap bridging one which would foster dialogue and enrich the academic understanding thus clarifying between theories and practice as well as Influencing policies and practical actions.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo who was represented by his special adviser on Strategic matters; Prof. Muktar Abdukadri applauded the CG’s wealth of experience and resolved that national security is fundamental to development hence no nation can progress without a secured environment that is capable of attracting Investments. 
In his opinion the representative of the Executive Governor of Oyo State Engr. Seyi Makinde highlighted the achievements of His Excellency stating that Security is highly priotized and that the administration had partnered with Security agencies to actualize it’s policies and programs.
The Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni further said the cornerstone of the current administration in the State hinged on the effective collaborations with the NSCDC and other Security agencies affirming that the State Governor have maintained regular security meetings as a strategic approach to forestall emerging challenges in the State.
While delivering his lecture the NSCDC Boss gave a historical overview of the emergence of Insecurity pointing out that the evolution of asymmetric warfare and other criminalities such as: Vandalism of Critical Infrastructure, Terrorism, Cyber crimes, Kidnapping, Banditry have impacted the nation politically and socio-economic wise.
Dr Audi advocated for the adoption of non-kinetic approach to tackling emerging security challenges stressing the importance of leveraging on structural-functionalism framework to enhance the Corps’ mandate to foster National Security.
The CG further emphasized on the importance of Inter-agency and Inter service collaboration in order to address and tackle head on the complex nature of Insecurity in the nation.
He identified inadequate funding, Personnel training, Public perception syndrome, and Inter-agency rivalry as significant challenges impeding the Corps and the nation’s security at large.
Dr Audi however acknowledged government efforts as he urged private organizations to support the NSCDC in fostering Public positive awareness programs, training and re-training Intelligence gathering and funding.
The Chairperson of Gender and Security Studies, University of Liberia and President of International Academy for Gender and Peace Prof Tyoor Terhemba in her speech as the occasion Chairperson remarked that the lecture delivered by Dr Audi would continue to foster dialogue and actionable insights that would enhance national security lauding the academic and strategic leadership expertise of the CG.
In the highpoint of the occasion the 3rd substantive Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr AA Audi was awarded and inducted as Fellow of the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies being a testament to his resolute and unwavering commitment to Peacebuilding and the Security of Nigeria’.
