Ayodeji Calls for Greater Academic Involvement in Nigeria’s Security Efforts
By Benjamin GBOR
Major General Garba Ayodeji (rtd), has urged Nigerian universities to take on a more strategic role in addressing the country’s persistent security challenges, stressing that the fight against insecurity must extend beyond the military.
Ayodeji made the call while delivering the 38th Convocation Lecture of the University of Calabar, where he spoke on the theme, “Redefining National Security in an Era of Endemic Insecurity: The Role of Tertiary Institutions.”
The retired general said that universities must move beyond their traditional roles and become active contributors to national security through research, policy development, and direct engagement with security agencies. He emphasised that modern security challenges require a comprehensive approach that integrates intellectual input with operational strategies.
According to him, the current security situation in Nigeria, marked by terrorism, insurgency, and other forms of violence, demands innovative, evidence-based solutions that academic institutions are well-positioned to provide.
Ayodeji pointed out that despite their potential, tertiary institutions have not been fully integrated into national security frameworks. He attributed this to factors such as inadequate funding for research, the migration of skilled academics, weak institutional partnerships, and a lingering gap in trust between universities and security organisations.
He called for deliberate policies that would encourage collaboration between both sectors, including increased investment in research, stronger alumni engagement, and incentives to retain intellectual talent within the country.
“National security today goes beyond the battlefield,” he noted, adding that issues such as economic stability, governance, and social welfare are now central to maintaining peace and order.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Offiong E. Offiong, earlier in his welcome address, described the lecture as timely, noting that Nigeria’s evolving security landscape requires a shift from purely military responses to more inclusive strategies.
He maintained that universities have a duty to help address the underlying causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion, through targeted research and community engagement initiatives.
Offiong also raised concerns about the increasing vulnerability of campuses to security threats, including kidnappings and violent attacks, which continue to disrupt academic calendars and contribute to the loss of skilled personnel.
The VC assured that the University of Calabar remains committed to partnering with security agencies to enhance safety within and beyond the campus.
