The rank and file of the University of Lagos Security Unit, on Monday, June 16, 2025, demonstrated its loyalty to securing the campus community with a special parade for the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS.
All roads led to Alpha Base (headquarter of the UNILAG Security Unit) where staff of the Unit across different formations, converged in their numbers for the event. They were joined by officers of the Nigerian Legion Corps and Man ‘O’ War as well as other stakeholders.
Delivering his remarks, the Coordinator of UNILAG Security Unit, Mr. David Omotosho said the special parade was held to appreciate the Vice-Chancellor, for her support of the Unit. According to him, the special parade was a demonstration of the loyalty and commitment of the men of the Security Unit towards safeguarding the University effectively and efficiently.
Mr Omotosho specially acknowledged and appreciated the Nigeria Police Force, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security agencies, for the seamless cooperation which UNILAG has enjoyed from them over the years, a development which he said, lends credence to the university’s record as one of the least crime and crisis prone campuses in Nigeria.
While soliciting the support of the University Management in terms of additional hands to ease the pressure of work on the few men on ground and ensure a more robust security coverage across the campus community, the UNILAG Security Coordinator reaffirmed the readiness of staff of the UNILAG Security Unit towards protecting and upholding the territorial integrity of the university.
His words “… we have committed to securing UNILAG to the core, our commitment starts with our undivided loyalty and we assure you that we remain loyal…”
In response, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, appreciated the entire rank and file of the Security Unit for the honor and their dedication to duty.
She also applauded the Nigeria Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies for the smooth working relationship with the University, over the decades.
While identifying security as an essential shield which cannot be sabotaged or mortgaged for any reason, Prof. Ogunsola acknowledged the depletion of staff strength in the Security Unit, a development which is also noticeable in every other office in the University.
She, however, assured of the University Management’s readiness to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that UNILAG remains safe for every stakeholder to thrive. Prof. Ogunsola implored the UNILAG Security officers to be more innovative, adaptable to changes and evolution, embrace technology and ensure moral uprightness in the discharge of their duties.
Her words, “…we look forward to making this University better, not just for you but for us as well because a safe UNILAG is a prosperous and wealthy UNILAG…”
The event featured the presentation of plaques as tokens of appreciation to notable stakeholders including the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Management Services, Professor Muyiwa Falaiye; Dean, Student Affairs Division, Professor Musa Obalola; Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Abraham Osinubi; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Panti, Lagos, Dayo Akinbiseyin; Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Sabo Division of the Nigeria Police Force, Comfort Alabi; Commandant in Charge of Narcotic, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State, Adeniyi Olumuyiwa Adetokunbo among others.
Other highlights of the ceremony were an inspection of the facility upgrade carried out at the Security Post of the University main gate as well as inspection of the Quarter Guard mounted by men of the Man ‘O’ War at the Alpha Base.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Ayomide Oloyede
