Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has set up a Committee on Behavioural Change and Cult Renunciation as part of renewed efforts to rehabilitate students involved in anti-social activities and strengthen security in the institution.
The vice chancellor, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, disclosed this during an expanded security stakeholders’ meeting at the university, where security agencies, traditional rulers, university management and representatives of the host community reviewed measures to enhance safety within the campus and its environs.
Usman said the committee was created to identify, counsel and rehabilitate students engaged in anti-social behaviour, giving them an opportunity to renounce unlawful associations and embrace responsible conduct.
He warned, however, that students who refuse to abandon criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.
The Vice-Chancellor also revealed that the university had provided two operational vehicles to strengthen its security architecture as part of a broader strategy to combat cultism and other criminal activities while sustaining a peaceful environment for teaching, learning, and research.
According to him, one of the vehicles has been assigned to the Joint Security and Anti-Cultism Squad, while the second will serve the university’s Security Patrol Team to enhance surveillance across the campus and neighbouring communities.
Reaffirming the institution’s commitment to security, Professor Usman said the university would continue to collaborate with security agencies, traditional institutions, and other critical stakeholders to maintain law and order.
As part of measures to strengthen discipline on campus, he disclosed that the University Management Committee, at its 403rd meeting, approved the reconstitution of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee and the Examination Misconduct Committee to ensure strict enforcement of the institution’s rules and regulations.
The Vice-Chancellor also dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media video alleging cult activities at the university. He clarified that the incident portrayed in the video neither occurred within the institution nor anywhere in Kogi State, urging members of the public to disregard the report.
Professor Usman assured students, parents, and guardians that the university remains committed to protecting lives and property through sustained collaboration with security agencies.
He expressed appreciation to the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his unwavering support in strengthening the university’s security architecture.
The Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged the contributions of the immediate past governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, noting that his support had contributed significantly to sustaining peace and stability within the institution.
In their separate remarks, the Ogohi Onu-Anyigba, HRH Alhaji Shaibu Okolo, and the Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area, Hon. John Urah Ikani, commended the university management for its proactive approach to campus security and pledged continued support towards maintaining peace and safety within the university community.
The meeting attracted heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, representatives of the host community, and other stakeholders, who unanimously reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the university’s efforts to provide a safe and secure environment for teaching, learning, and research.
