By Samson Ike, Abuja

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has inaugurated a four-day specialised workshop on Campus Security Management (CSM) in Abuja, aimed at enhancing security across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

The workshop, organised by the International Academy for Gender and Peace (IAGP) with support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), is bringing together 600 Chief Security Officers (CSOs) from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prof. Audi expressed concern over the growing security challenges confronting educational institutions, including cultism, violent extremism, kidnapping, gender-based violence, cybercrime, drug abuse, and other forms of campus unrest.

According to him, many individuals involved in serious criminal activities such as banditry and kidnapping often begin their involvement in crime while in school, underscoring the need for stronger security measures and early intervention strategies within academic environments.

The NSCDC boss urged participants to remain vigilant, proactive, and dedicated to acquiring modern security management skills that will enable them to effectively protect lives, property, and the rights of students and staff members.

In his remarks, the Course Director and President of IAGP, Prof. Frederick Terhemba Tyoor, said the training was designed to equip campus security personnel with the knowledge and tools required to reduce vulnerabilities and improve safety within educational institutions.

He stressed the importance of intelligence gathering, analysis, and timely utilisation, noting that proactive security measures remain critical to preventing threats before they escalate into major incidents.

Representing the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, PhD, Dr. Yusuf Gamawa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting programmes that promote safe and conducive learning environments across the country.

A goodwill message was delivered by Prof. Bilyaminu Suleiman Muhammed, Professor of Demography and Industrial Sociology at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, who commended the initiative and called for sustained collaboration between security agencies and educational institutions.

The four-day workshop features a series of lectures, interactive sessions, and practical engagements facilitated by experts drawn from the academic community and various security agencies, with a focus on strengthening campus security architecture and fostering safer learning environments nationwide.