By Adewuyi Adegbite
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, was recently in the news following reports of incessant robbery incidents around the suburbs of the institution. While some media outlets sought to paint the university in a negative light over these unfortunate events, the university’s Public Relations Office swiftly came forward to clarify and defend the management’s commitment to ensuring the security of lives and property.
Contrary to the claim by Sahara Reporters that Fulani herdsmen were behind the incidents, the university reassured the public that proactive security measures are firmly in place. According to the Public Relations Office, the institution has engaged critical security agencies to maintain peace and order both within and around the campus, particularly in the Under G and Adenike areas. These agencies include the Nigeria Police Force, Operation Burst, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Vigilante Group, Amotekun, and the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), all working in synergy to safeguard the university environment.
In my view, the security of LAUTECH should be a shared corporate responsibility involving all stakeholders. These include the Ogbomoso community, which hosts the institution; the university management, which has already demonstrated its commitment to security; business organizations operating in the area; and, most importantly, hostel owners around the university. A strong collaboration between these stakeholders will ensure that insecurity becomes a thing of the past.
Additionally, students must also take personal responsibility for their safety. They should remain vigilant, identify suspicious individuals, and report any potential security threats to the school management or relevant security personnel. This will greatly enhance efforts to maintain peace and order around the campus.
Meanwhile, I commend the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor R. O. M. Kalilu, for providing outstanding leadership. His proactive approach to addressing challenges that previously plagued the institution—such as incessant strikes, an unstable academic calendar, and frequent student protests—has positioned him as a pragmatic and visionary leader. His efforts to stabilize and reposition LAUTECH as a hub of technical innovation are worthy of recognition.
I urge the staff, students, and entire Ogbomoso community to continue supporting the Vice-Chancellor in his mission to transform LAUTECH into a center of academic excellence and innovation, not only in Nigeria but across sub-Saharan Africa. Together, we can ensure the institution fulfills its mandate of producing world-class graduates in science and technology.
Adewuyi Adegbite
ayekooto05@gmail.com
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