The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced plans to develop a comprehensive security master plan for tertiary institutions nationwide.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, TETFund, Aminu Bello Masari, explained that the master plan aims to enhance threat prevention, detection, and response capabilities.

The former Katsina State governor disclosed this during the opening ceremony of a two-day workshop on campus security towards the development of a security master plan for tertiary institutions in Nigeria in Abuja, where he outlined the various threats faced by tertiary institutions, including banditry, kidnapping, and cyber intrusions.

According to him, the workshop, which was attended by all the Chief Security Officers of all tertiary institutions, covered various aspects of campus security, including intelligence gathering and emergency response mechanisms.

Masari stressed the shared responsibility of campus security among government, security agencies, administrators, students, staff, and communities.

He encouraged participants to approach the deliberations with dedication, innovation, and practical solutions, adding that the outcomes of the workshop will significantly impact the safety of campuses and the future of Nigerian tertiary education.

The participants, including chief executives, deans, security officers, and law enforcement representatives, were encouraged to share experiences and practical solutions to ensure robust, future-proof campus security.

Masari said, “What we begin here today is not merely another conference. It is a foundational step in developing a comprehensive, forward-looking security master plan for tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

“This master plan is expected to establish a security of time framework for all time-sharing institutions to transcend institutional capacity for threat prevention, detection, mitigation, and response. It is also expected to promote intelligence-led security operations and proactive risk management, protect students, staff, facilities, infrastructure, and intellectual assets, and deepen collaboration between institutions, security agencies, and host communities. The master plan will also institutionalise emergency preparedness, crisis management, and business continuity protocols and integrate modern, physical, and digital security technologies into campus operations.

“These deliberations are not theoretical. They form the building blocks of the national framework that will guide campus security policies, investments, and operations for years to come.

“I am particularly encouraged by this diversity of participants. Present here are chief executives, Dean of Student Affairs, chief security officers, ICT professionals, security analysts, and the representatives of law enforcement agencies.”

Executive Secretary, TETFund Sonny Echono stressed the importance of having clear communication channels to alert and respond to security breaches, involving agencies like the military, police, and Civil Defence.

According to him, there is a need for fire drills to prepare for emergencies, and similar plans should be in place for security breaches.

He highlighted the need for immediate action and not waiting for incidents to occur, mentioning previous efforts to improve infrastructure.

The ES reiterated that the reaction and prevention strategies are crucial, not just the infrastructure. (The Nation)

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