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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced plans to develop a comprehensive security master plan for tertiary institutions nationwide.
Chairman, Board of Trustees, TETFund, Aminu Bello Masari, made this known at the opening ceremony of a two-day workshop on campus security towards the development of a security master plan for tertiary institutions in Nigeria, held in Abuja.
The workshop was attended by all the Chief Security Officers of all tertiary institutions, Chief Executives, Deans and law enforcement representatives, with discussions on various aspects of campus security, including intelligence gathering and emergency response mechanisms.
He outlined the various threats faced by tertiary institutions, including banditry, kidnapping and cyber intrusions, and explained that the master plan would enhance threat prevention, detection and response capabilities.
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He said: “This is not merely another conference. It is a foundational step in developing a comprehensive, forward-looking security master plan for tertiary institutions in Nigeria. These deliberations are not theoretical. They form the building blocks of the national framework that will guide campus security policies, investments and operations for years to come. “I am particularly encouraged by this diversity of participants. Present here are Chief Executives, Dean of Students Affairs, Chief Security Officers, ICT professionals, security analysts and the representatives of law enforcement agencies.”
The Executive Secretary, TETFund, Sonny Echono, in his remarks, pointed out that some campuses are porous and easily invaded, making them attractive targets for criminals.
He recalled a previous mapping exercise to identify high-risk areas and establish emergency response mechanisms, stressing the need to interface with various agencies and units in case of a security breach, ensuring clear communication channels.
Echono stressed the importance of having clear communication channels to alert and respond to security breaches, involving agencies like the Military, Police and Civil Defence. There is a need for fire drills to prepare for emergencies and how similar plans should be in place for security breaches.
He also highlighted the need for immediate action and not waiting for incidents to occur, mentioning previous efforts to improve infrastructure and reiterated that the reaction and prevention strategies are crucial, not just the infrastructure.
