Ondo Govt Strengthens Security in Tertiary Institutions, Pushes For Decentralised Governance
The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has addressed emerging security concerns across higher institutions in the state, announcing that his administration had introduced a strengthened security architecture to curb criminal activities, reduce cyber vulnerabilities, and enhance campus policing.
Aiyedatiwa made the disclosure at the opening of an international conference themed “New Trajectory in Higher Education Governance, Security and Funding in Africa”, held at the Public Service Training Institute (PSTI), Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State.
Represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, the governor advocated for a decentralised governance model that gives higher institutions greater decision-making authority, describing it as essential for improved efficiency and innovation.
He identified inadequate funding, administrative deficiencies, and rising security threats as major obstacles limiting the optimal performance of tertiary institutions across Africa. To address these challenges, he called for the establishment of Governing Councils made up of diverse stakeholders from academia, industry, and host communities.
Aiyedatiwa further stressed the need for institutions to explore additional funding streams such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), alumni endowments, foreign grants, and research-driven internally generated revenue.
In his remarks, the Director-General of PSTI, Dr. Olumide Asere, highlighted the essence of the conference, noting its aim to bridge the gap between tertiary institutions and their host communities.
He explained that the collaboration between PSTI and the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) was designed to foster stronger institutional partnerships. Asere expressed optimism that the conference would provide lasting solutions to issues confronting higher institutions.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of OAUSTECH, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, commended the collaboration with PSTI, describing it as a practical step toward strengthening links between government, industry, and academia.
He revealed that this partnership had contributed to establishing the OAUSTECH Leadership Academy, an initiative geared toward training the next generation of institutional leaders. Ologunorisa urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity offered by the conference.
