Babcock varsity renews partnership with PCRC on community security

Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun, has reaffirmed its commitment to community safety through a renewed partnership with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Zone 2.

The President/Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Afolarin Ojewole, gave the assurance on Friday, while receiving a 15-member PCRC delegation led by its chairman, Dr Kunle Popoola, during a courtesy visit to the institution.

Ojewole said the security of the university was inseparable from the safety of its host communities, stressing the need for stronger collaboration among educational institutions, security agencies and residents.

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He said the university shared the vision of a society where families could sleep peacefully and go about their daily activities without fear.

Highlighting the institution’s investment in security infrastructure, the vice-chancellor disclosed that Babcock University had acquired four high-altitude drones designed to reach 30,000 metres and monitor a radius of 40 kilometres beyond the campus.

The VC said the technology had already been deployed and would remain available to support collaborative security operations involving relevant agencies and host communities.

He commended the PCRC for its role in intelligence gathering and in strengthening relations between the police and members of the public.

Professor Ojewole also pledged the university’s readiness to work out modalities for a stronger partnership, including capacity building and professional training through its School of Law and Security Studies and Executive Education programmes.

He added that the institution would sustain communication with the committee to identify areas of collaboration, including support for health facilities and other security-related initiatives.

Earlier, Popoola commended Babcock University for its consistent support for the Nigeria Police Force, citing the institution’s medical facility, which he said had helped save the life of a wounded Divisional Police Officer in Ijebu Waterside.

He appealed for further assistance for the newly established Ikenne Area Command and continuous training for PCRC members to enhance their capacity to support community policing and security operations.

The PCRC chairman also invited Ojewole to serve as the committee’s patron.

In his response, the vice-chancellor promised to give the request prompt consideration, reiterating the university’s willingness to support initiatives aimed at improving security and fostering cordial relations between the police and the communities they serve.