Following last year’s abduction of nine students at Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, Kogi State, the government has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety of students and staff across all higher institutions in the state. The 2024 incident claimed the lives of two students and heightened concerns about campus security. Kogi State is home to seven functional tertiary institutions.
Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, Vice Chancellor of CUSTECH, told LEADERSHIP that the university has installed a high-tech surveillance system to monitor the campus, enhance security, and create a safe learning environment. He commended Governor Alhaji Usman Ododo for engaging experts to oversee the installation, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to education sector safety.
“With these advanced security measures, CUSTECH Osara is now among the safest universities in Nigeria,” Prof. Salawu said, assuring parents, students, and staff of a secure academic environment.
Similarly, Kogi State Polytechnic received advanced security equipment, covering both the Lokoja and Itakpe campuses. The donation included modern CCTV cameras, lithium-powered torchlights, and rapid response scooters to strengthen campus security infrastructure. Prof. Salisu Usman Ogbo, Rector of the Polytechnic, described the initiative as timely, strategic, and impactful, noting that it complements the recent fencing of the Itakpe campus.
Engineer Sani Isah of SufPay Limited, who handled the project, explained that the CCTV cameras will enable real-time monitoring, torchlights will aid night patrols, and rapid response scooters will allow swift emergency mobility. Security personnel from the institutions will undergo technical training to ensure proper use of the equipment, with continuous support provided.
The state government intends to replicate this security initiative across all tertiary institutions to safeguard students, staff, and property, ensuring peaceful and conducive learning environments throughout Kogi State.
