The Ondo State Government, through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Student Affairs, Hon. Kevin Solomon Olaolu took decisive steps to address the escalating insecurity and welfare concerns affecting students at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA). A series of meetings were held involving key stakeholders, including security operatives, community leaders, university officials, and student representatives, to discuss measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the university community.
The SSA on Student Affairs, accompanied by various student bodies such as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS JCC), National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS National), National Association of University Students (NAUS), National Female Association of Nigeria (NFSAN), Adekunle Ajasin University Student Union Government (AAUSUG), engaged with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Akungba, CSP Akinola Kayode, to discuss the security challenges plaguing the university. The meeting highlighted the unfortunate incidents of theft, vandalism, and even the tragic loss of a student’s life, which have left the student body and local community in a state of distress.
CSP Akinola Kayode expressed his appreciation for the swift response of the SSA on Students Affairs to Ondo to State Governor. He outlined the ongoing efforts by the police and other security agencies to combat these challenges. He emphasized that his team, in collaboration with the Student Union and other security agencies such as the Amotekun Corps and anti-cultism squad, has initiated night patrols across the campus and surrounding areas. This proactive approach aims to curb the incidents of theft and other criminal activities, which have been linked to cultism and other nefarious activities.
The SSA, on behalf of the state government, expressed gratitude to the DPO and the entire security apparatus for their dedication to ensuring the safety of the students and the community at large. He urged continued vigilance and collaboration among all stakeholders to maintain a secure environment conducive to academic pursuits.
Following the meeting at the police division, the SSA and his delegation paid a visit to the Akungba Palace, where they met with the King, His Royal Majesty Oba Isaac Sunday Adeyeye, and other community leaders, including Hon. Ogunbi Abiodun, a two-term former member of the Ondo House of Assembly. The King reiterated the community’s commitment to addressing the security concerns, noting that both physical and traditional measures were being employed to restore peace and order. He called for increased collaboration between the university, the community, and security agencies, while also urging students to be courageous and practice self-defense when necessary.
The meeting also touched upon infrastructural concerns, particularly the need for the dualization of the road leading to the university’s Western gate. The AAUSUG President, Comr. Boladale Oyindamola (MANDELA), highlighted the dangers posed by the current state of the road, which has been a significant cause of accidents and poses a threat to the safety of students.
The delegation then proceeded to the university campus, where they met with the Director of Student Affairs, Prof. Akanbi, and other officials, including Mr. Olusa, the Public Relations Officer for Student Affairs. The discussions centered around the issues of insecurity and the low rate of student registration on the NELFUND portal. Prof. Akanbi commended the SSA for his proactive engagement and efforts to address the challenges facing the university. He noted that the lack of adequate on-campus accommodation contributes significantly to the insecurity, as many students are forced to live in off-campus areas that are less secure. He called on the government to expedite the construction of more hostels and the completion of abandoned ones to provide safer housing options for students.
Regarding the NELFUND registration, Prof. Akanbi explained that the delay in uploading student data was primarily due to the requirement for National Identification Numbers (NINs), which the university did not initially have access to. However, the university has since created an online form to collect this information from students, and over 2,000 entries have already been submitted and uploaded to the NELFUND site. The SSA acknowledged these efforts and assured the university of the government’s support in overcoming these challenges.
The SSA’s visit concluded with a meeting with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, and the Registrar, Arajulu Gbenga. The delegation also conducted an inspection tour of the campus, visiting the sports complex and the university’s health center. At the health center, staff voiced concerns about the lack of essential equipment, inadequate staffing, poor electricity supply, and the absence of an ambulance, among other issues. The SSA assured the health center staff that their grievances would be communicated to the appropriate channels and made a personal donation to support the purchase of necessary equipment.
The SSA also commended the Student Union Government for its initiative in organizing night patrols to enhance security. He made a substantial financial contribution to the Student Union Government to support their efforts in battling insecurity.
The SSA emphasized the state government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and conducive environment for learning at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko. He urged all stakeholders to continue working together to address the security and welfare challenges facing the students. The SSA promised to relay the issues raised during the meetings to the state government and work towards prompt and effective solutions.
Peoplesmind
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Ondo State Government Addresses Insecurity, Student Welfare & NELFUND Registration at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko
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