During the 9th convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Dutsinma, Katsina State, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani expressed concerns about the vulnerability of Nigeria’s higher institutions to radicalization and criminal activities. He highlighted the link between unemployment, poverty, and the lack of opportunities as factors contributing to the recruitment of students into extremist groups and criminal organizations.
The Governor emphasized a recent incident where a student was apprehended by the police at FUDMA with ammunition intended for illegal activities, illustrating the growing risk of students being lured into violence and radical ideologies. He stressed that such incidents not only jeopardize the lives of the students involved but also pose a threat to the institution’s reputation and the safety of the entire academic community.
Sani pointed out that inadequate security measures, poor infrastructure, and a lack of surveillance technology on campuses make educational institutions easy targets for criminals like bandits and kidnappers. He noted the broader impact of insurgency and terrorism in destabilizing regions, leading to the displacement of people and the destruction of essential infrastructure, including educational facilities.
The Governor highlighted the phenomenon of brain drain among highly qualified academics who leave the country or opt out of service due to security concerns. At FUDMA, several senior professors have already relocated to safer areas within the country or sought opportunities abroad, citing the high-risk environment as a significant factor influencing their decisions.