By Joy Odor, Ilorin
The Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, has called for deeper collaboration with the Nigerian Army’s 22 Armoured Brigade to further strengthen security around the institution and its host community.
Dr. Abdul Jimoh made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Brigade Headquarters at Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin, on Tuesday which was made available to newsmen in a press statement in Abuja by Captain Stephen Nwankwo, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations
22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin.
During the visit, the Rector lauded the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, for the Brigade’s ongoing support in addressing cultism and other criminal activities within and around the polytechnic campus.
“Even amid rising security challenges across the country, you have consistently deployed personnel to support us. This has helped reduce cultism and criminality to the barest minimum.
“We deeply appreciate your proactive efforts and request that this valuable cooperation be sustained” the Rector stated.
He also praised the military’s role in creating a peaceful academic environment, attributing recent improvements in campus safety to the Brigade’s intervention.
In response, Brigadier General Barkins reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to supporting civil institutions and ensuring a safe environment for learning.
He emphasized that security requires joint efforts and proactive community engagement.
“The security of the Kwara State is our collective responsibility. We are always ready to assist, and my line is open for any credible intelligence that can help prevent crime,” the Commander assured.
He noted that the Brigade’s actions align with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy, which envisions a Nigerian Army that is “well-trained, equipped, and motivated to fulfill its constitutional roles within a joint, inter-agency, and multi-national setting.”
General Barkins also advised stakeholders to adopt preventive measures such as limiting late-night movements and avoiding inflammatory rhetoric in public spaces, stressing the role of community vigilance in maintaining peace.
The visit concluded with the exchange of souvenirs, signing of the visitors’ book, and a group photograph, marking a renewed commitment to security partnership between Kwara State Polytechnic and the Nigerian Army.
