Lagos: The Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has called for a unified national approach to combat insecurity by fostering collaboration between security agencies and academic institutions. He made this appeal during the third Annual Security Summit 2025, hosted by Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) in Ijanikin, Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Egbetokun emphasized the need for Nigerians to perceive security as a collective responsibility, intertwined with civic values, education, and moral discipline. He asserted that the nation’s foremost line of defense lies in its educated and disciplined populace rather than its military might.
The I-G commended LASUED for its proactive stance, highlighting the university’s role in leveraging education for peacebuilding and national renewal. He described the Town-Gown Partnership as a comprehensive strategy for security reform, uniting community and academic efforts to foster peace and development.
Egbetokun urged universities to prioritize applied research that supports data-driven policing and community engagement, aiming to bolster law enforcement and social cohesion. He outlined five pillars for collaboration between police and academia, focusing on data-driven policing, youth behavioral studies, cybersecurity, community conflict management, and public trust evaluation.
Addressing the dynamic nature of security threats, Egbetokun cautioned about the challenges posed by cybercrime, misinformation, and digital manipulation. He underscored the transformation of the Nigeria Police Force into a proactive, intelligence-led, and technology-driven institution, while warning that technology alone cannot sustain peace without strong community relationships.
The I-G also labeled misinformation as a significant national security threat, advocating for civic education and digital literacy to combat fake news. He emphasized that true security is founded on empathy and human dignity, urging a national awakening centered on wisdom and shared purpose.
Vice Chancellor of LASUED, Prof. Bidemi Okuneye, opened the summit by stressing the importance of shifting from sporadic cooperation to institutionalized collaboration, focusing on prevention and accountability. She reaffirmed the university’s commitment to public trust and encouraged students to uphold peace and vigilance as pivotal security strategies.