Tinubu
The University of Ibadan Alumni Association has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to urgently re-strategise the country’s national security policy.
In a communique jointly signed by Ajinde Oluwashakin, chairman and Bolaji Akeem, secretary, the association stressed the need to prioritise human security amid escalating violence across the country.
The association’s call comes amid the rising insecurity across the country with the latest being the killing of over 100 people in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma LGA of Benue on June 13.
In a previous attack, 25 people were killed by suspected terrorist in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities, both in Makurdi LGA of Benue.
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However, in the communique titled “crisis of human development and electoral politicking: The case of Nigeria’s perpetual struggle with insecurity,” the association described the current security situation as dire, with mass killings, abductions, and terrorist attacks persisting despite government assurances.
The alumni body lamented that insecurity in Nigeria transcends military challenges, adding that it is rooted deeply in poor human development indicators such as education deficits, widening poverty, and inequality.
Citing the 2023/2024 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) human development report, the group said Nigeria has low human development index of 0.548, with over 10 million children out of school and 32.7 percent inequality rate.
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The association also referenced Nigeria’s rise to sixth place on the 2025 Global Terrorism Index and recent data showing increased conflict incidents and fatalities.
It identified porous borders, weak policing, bad governance, and resource control conflicts as key drivers of insecurity.
The UI alumni association called on the Tinubu government to invest in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, strengthen border and immigration controls, reform security agencies, and tackle the politicisation of insecurity.
The association urged the president to reform and enhance the capacity of “security agencies, ensuring they are well-equipped, adequately trained, and free from political manipulation”.
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It added that there is a need to address the root causes of identity-based conflicts through inclusive dialogue and equitable resource distribution.
The group said the government should actively combat the weaponization of insecurity for political gain and hold those who exploit societal vulnerabilities for selfish interests accountable.
The association pledged readiness to collaborate with the government and stakeholders to restore safety and dignity for all Nigerians.
“We, as an alumni body, stand ready to collaborate with the government, civil society organizations, and all stakeholders to foster a Nigeria where every citizen can live in safety, dignity, and prosperity. The time for decisive action is now,” the group said.
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