Lasisi Vows To Reposition The Polytechnic Ibadan, Tightens Campus Security

The Acting Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Dr. Taiwo Abideen Lasisi, has pledged to reposition the institution through strategic reforms while strengthening campus security to sustain its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading polytechnics.

Lasisi said his administration was committed to leaving the institution in a better state than it met it, assuring staff, students and other stakeholders that the security of lives and property would remain a top priority.

The acting rector made the pledge while receiving a delegation of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps led by the Divisional Officer of Irepodun Division, Superintendent Olugbenga Odesina, whose command covers The Polytechnic, Ibadan, the University of Ibadan and neighbouring communities.

According to him, the institution has taken proactive steps to improve its internal security architecture by strengthening surveillance and response mechanisms to curb criminal activities and other acts capable of disrupting the peaceful academic environment.

He disclosed that his administration had established an operations department within the institution’s security unit to coordinate intelligence gathering and emergency response, adding that the unit reports directly to his office.

“As far as security is concerned, I remain accessible at all times. Members of the operations unit can reach me whenever the need arises because the safety of our students, staff and visitors is non-negotiable,” Lasisi said.

The acting rector commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, and the NSCDC for their continued support in safeguarding the institution.

Also speaking, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Mr. John Makinde, appreciated the NSCDC for its partnership with the institution, expressing optimism that the visit would further strengthen collaboration between the corps and the management.

Earlier, Odesina said the NSCDC had continued to place The Polytechnic, Ibadan under close security surveillance because of its large student population and strategic importance.

He explained that the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Programme had intensified security efforts around educational institutions across the country to prevent criminal activities and promote a safe learning environment.

Meanwhile, Lasisi described unemployment as one of the major challenges confronting nations across the world, stressing the need to equip students with practical skills that would enhance their employability and entrepreneurial capacity before graduation.

He spoke while receiving a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, led by Mrs. Lawal Adebisi Omolola, which visited the institution to seek collaboration on programmes designed to prepare students for the labour market.

The acting rector assured the delegation of the institution’s full support for the initiative, including a one-day employability workshop scheduled for August 14 for 80 students of the Faculty of Business and Communication Studies, with similar training planned for students of other faculties.

According to him, partnerships that expose students to workplace realities and entrepreneurship are essential to reducing graduate unemployment and preparing young people for productive careers.

Speaking earlier, Omolola said the proposed training would encourage students to think beyond conventional white-collar jobs by exposing them to opportunities in entrepreneurship, innovation and career development.

She appealed to the management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan to continue supporting the programme to ensure its success and broaden its impact on students.