The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Yakubu Gowon University have formalized a strategic alliance aimed at advancing national security research, border management studies, and student welfare. This partnership seeks to bridge the gap between paramilitary operations and academic research.
Details of the Collaboration
Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, announced the initiative during a visit by the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. Adeniyi emphasized the importance of the collaboration, noting that previous attempts to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) were interrupted by leadership transitions. He stated that the NCS is now committed to a phased implementation of support, focusing on projects with the highest impact on the learning environment.
“For us, beyond legacy, what matters most is impact. We understand the realities facing Nigerian universities, from transportation challenges to infrastructure gaps. Our interest is to support initiatives that will create a conducive learning environment and positively impact students,” Adeniyi said. He also pledged support to help the university meet the demands of its 40,000-strong student population.
University’s Role and Expectations
Professor Fawehinmi highlighted the university’s Centre for Defence and Migration Studies as a critical hub for the partnership. He suggested that the centre could provide the NCS with specialized research into national security and executive training for officers. “Support in areas such as mass transit buses, ICT infrastructure, research facilities, and professional collaboration will significantly strengthen our capacity,” the Vice Chancellor noted. He added that as the only conventional public university in the Federal Capital Territory, the institution carries enormous responsibilities.
