TETFund, NSCDC to fortify security across Nigerian campuses
By Uji A Iliyasu, Abuja
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have commenced discussions on a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening security across tertiary institutions in Nigeria, amid lingering concerns over school attacks and student abductions.
The proposed collaboration was unveiled during a courtesy visit by the Commandant General of NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who led a high-level delegation of senior officers to the TETFund headquarters in Abuja.
The delegation was received by the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, alongside members of the Fund’s top management.
Discussions at the meeting focused on establishing a robust inter-agency framework to improve campus security nationwide. Key areas identified include joint training programmes for private security guards in tertiary institutions, support for NSCDC training institutions and research, and broader efforts to secure Nigeria’s educational environment by strengthening the link between education and national security.
Prof. Audi emphasized the critical role of the NSCDC in protecting national critical assets and infrastructure, including educational institutions. While noting a reduction in attacks on schools in recent times, he stressed that the Corps requires sustained support from stakeholders to effectively address remaining threats.
He recalled that attacks on schools peaked in the early 2000s and later intensified following high-profile incidents such as the Chibok girls’ abduction, which prompted the launch of the Safe School Initiative.
He said recent improvements had been recorded, though isolated incidents persist.
Audi highlighted structural challenges facing school security, revealing that a recent survey showed over 60,000 of Nigeria’s more than 81,000 schools lack fencing or any form of security presence. He noted that with a personnel strength of about 63,000 nationwide, the NSCDC alone cannot provide adequate coverage, underscoring the need for a “whole-of-society” approach involving security agencies, regulators, school authorities, and host communities.
The NSCDC boss also appealed to TETFund for support in upgrading the Corps’ six training institutions, particularly the College of Security Management in Abeokuta, to enhance capacity building and global best practices for officers.
In his response, Echono commended the NSCDC and other security agencies for their efforts in safeguarding the country. He reaffirmed TETFund’s willingness to collaborate and provide necessary support to initiatives that enhance safety and stability within Nigeria’s tertiary education system.