FCE ABEOKUTA APPOINTS NEW CHIEF SECURITY OFFICER

MR. OLUSOLA JOSIAH AJIBOLA APPOINTED NEW CHIEF SECURITY OFFICER AT FCE ABEOKUTA

Security is an essential component of the effective administration and smooth operation of every tertiary institution. Universities, polytechnics and colleges of education require well-organised security units to protect lives and property, prevent criminal activities, maintain peace and order, and ensure that students, staff and visitors can carry out their activities in a safe and secure environment. The Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta, is no exception, as the institution has maintained a dedicated Security Unit responsible for addressing security-related matters within the College community.

Following the exit of the former Head of the Security Unit, the Management of the Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta, appointed Mr. Olusola Josiah Ajibola as the new Head of the College Security Unit. The appointment was made on Thursday, 11 June 2020, and became necessary following the departure of Mr. Jonathan O. Adeyemi, who previously served as the Chief Security Officer I (CSO I) of the College.

Before his appointment as Head of the Security Unit, Mr. Olusola Josiah Ajibola served as Chief Security Officer II (CSO II). His elevation was based on his professional competence, experience, years of service, and antecedents within the College Security Unit. His previous experience in the security structure of the institution was considered relevant to the responsibilities associated with his new position.

The appointment placed Mr. Ajibola in charge of a highly sensitive and important aspect of the College’s administration. As Head of the Security Unit, the Chief Security Officer is responsible for coordinating security activities within the College and monitoring matters relating to the safety of staff, students, visitors and property.

Within the College’s security structure, the Chief Security Officers are commonly identified as CSOs, while the Assisting or Assistant Security Officers (ASOs) also form part of the security workforce. The CSOs are traditionally identified by their green camouflage uniforms and green berets, while the Assisting or Assistant Security Officers are identified by blue and ash uniforms with black berets.

The College Update crew congratulated Mr. O. J. Ajibola on his appointment and wished him a successful tenure in office. His appointment was regarded as an opportunity to build upon the peaceful atmosphere that had been maintained within the College over the years. It was also hoped that his experience and professional competence would contribute positively to the continued effectiveness of the Security Unit.

THE SECURITY UNIT

The Security Unit of the Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta, has existed since the early years of the institution. At its initial stage, the unit consisted mainly of laymen employed as night guards and gatemen. These guards were supervised by senior members of staff, including administrators and lecturers, who were assigned security-related responsibilities despite having limited specialised knowledge of professional security operations.

Over time, however, the Security Unit developed into a more professional and structured establishment. Retired personnel from the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, State Security Service and other paramilitary organisations were recruited to occupy various security positions within the College.

These positions included the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Security Officers (SO), Patrol Supervisors, and Head Guards. The recruitment of experienced personnel from security and paramilitary backgrounds contributed to the professionalisation and improved organisation of security operations within the institution.

The principal responsibilities of the Security Unit include the protection of lives and property, prevention and detection of crime, maintenance of peace and safety on campus, and enforcement of rules and regulations that fall within the jurisdiction of the Unit.

The Security Unit therefore plays an important role in supporting the College’s academic and administrative activities. A secure environment is essential for teaching, learning, research, accommodation, and other institutional activities to take place effectively.

Following the Federal Government reform exercise and the severance exercise that resulted in the exit of many members of staff in 2007, the College further strengthened its security arrangement through the engagement of eighty (80) guards on contract employment under the auspices of ASO Enterprises.

The appointment of Mr. Olusola Josiah Ajibola as Head of the Security Unit in June 2020 consequently represented another stage in the continuing development of the College’s security administration. With his experience as CSO II and his years of service within the College, he was expected to provide effective leadership and coordination for the Unit.

As he assumed the responsibilities of Chief Security Officer, members of the College community looked forward to his contribution towards maintaining the peaceful atmosphere for which the institution had been known. The position required vigilance, professionalism, discipline, and a strong commitment to the protection of the College community. 

Mr. Ajibola was therefore congratulated once again on his appointment, with the hope that his tenure would contribute to the continued safety, peace and orderly administration of the Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta.