By; SULAIMAN AHMED MISAU, Katsina
Katsina State Government has pledged to continue providing adequate security at higher institutions in the state for conducive atmosphere of teaching and learning.
The state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mannir Yakubu gave the assurance during a technical session on strategic engagement with relevant stakeholders towards enhancing campus safety and security in Katsina.
The event which was held at Umar Musa Yar’adua University Auditorium, was organized by the office of the Special Adviser on Security Matters, Governor’s Office Katsina.
Alhaji Mannir Yakubu further pointed out that since the abduction of students of Government Science Secondary School Kankara, the state government has tried to introduce measures to protect lives and property of students across the state.
He believes that as the principle of every government to secure the citizens, the current Governor Aminu Masari-led administration has been doing its best to address security challenges facing the state.
Alhaji Mannir Yakubu used the opportunity to advise institutions of higher learning to introduce new strategies to address security challenges on campuses.
The Deputy Governor further advised the department of security matters to extend the seminar to other higher institutions of learning in the state to ensure that all students are carried along in promoting security in campuses.
According to him, the building of rehabilitation centre in the NDLEA Katsina State Command was part of the current state government’s efforts to fight against drugs abuse in the state.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa stressed that fight against insecurity is collective effort for every citizen.
Dr Mustapha Inuwa who was represented by Permanent Secretary Security and Special Service, Alhaji Suleiman Yakubu Safana revealed that the State Government has introduced two important security policies which include community policing and three tiers security structure meant at providing permanent peace in the state.
He said all these security policies are meant to encourage communities and stakeholders in the fight against insecurity as the state government believes that community participation would support in addressing the menace.
In a welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmad Katsina explained that the aim of the seminar was to organize security operatives to interact to gather to share knowledge on how to make the state’s campuses safe towards encouraging seeking knowledge among the people of the state.
Alhaji Ibrahim Katsina said the event would also device ways on how to overcome drug abuse among students, which is a major factor leading insecurity in the campuses.
Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Governor on Higher Education, Malam Bishir Usman Ruwan Godiya who acknowledged the foresight of the security matters department for organizing the event, described it as timely and called for sustenance.
In a vote of thanks, Vice Chancellor of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Professor Sanusi Mamman commended the State Government for its efforts in promoting conducive atmosphere in the institution.
Professor Sanusi Mamman who was represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Professor Abdulhamid Ahmad noted that, the installation of security lights in the institution is a clear testimony of government’s concern in securing schools across the state.
