The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Joint Campus Council (JCC), Edo State Axis, has announced the inauguration of the Organizing Committee and Advisory Board for the upcoming one-day symposium and inter-school quiz competition taking place in the state.
NANS Chairman, Comrade Ojumoola Miracle Timileyin, unveiled the teams on Tuesday, ahead of the event themed “Safe Campus for Students: Combating Physical and Digital Threats”, scheduled for June 20, 2025, at the Chris Oyakhilome Hall, Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma.
Timileyin noted that the initiative comes amid rising safety concerns for students. He pointed to a recent Edo State Police report where ten students (eight male, two female) were rescued after being abducted during a trip to a conference.
Such incidents, he said, underscores broader campus risks. Recent studies warned that Nigerian campuses “are not alien” to crimes like rape, cult violence, burglary, theft and robbery.
“Every student deserves to study in a secure environment,” the NANS Chairman said, stressing that the symposium will address both on-campus and online threats.
Members of the Organizing Committee include, Comrade Imafidon Imadeyogie Stephen, Chairman; Comrade Gilbert Success, Vice Chairman; Comrade Okochi Godbless Chima, Secretary; and Comrade Ogochukwu Isioma, Public Relations Officer.
Others are Comrade Omogui Efe, Member; Comrade Agboola Israel, SUG President, University of Benin; Comrade Osadebamen Ehizojie Ainyanbhor, SUG President, Ambrose Alli University; Comrade Arua Hyginus Onyedikachi, SUG President, Auchi Polytechnic.
For the Advisory Board, Comrade Armstrong Shedrack Ovie-Afabor will serve as Chairman, with Comrades Thomas Ikhine, Pius Effam and Okoloise Akhimien Edwin as Members of the Board.
Guest speakers expected at the event include the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika; Zonal Director, EFCC Benin Zonal Command, ACE I. Effa I. Okim; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Welfare and Development, Comrade Jimah Mubarak.
In his acceptance speech, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Comrade Stephen said the symposium will bring together student leaders, academics and security experts in tackling campus safety challenges.
“We want every student to feel safe on and off campus,” he said. “The day-long program will feature keynote addresses and panel discussions on issues such as crime prevention, campus policing and cybersecurity.”
Scholars observe that as Nigerian schools adopt more technology, new risks emerge: “Cybercrime in educational institutions is a growing concern worldwide, and Nigeria is no exception,” a recent study notes.
The research warns that increased digital tools have “opened the doors for malicious activities,” highlighting why students, stakeholders, institutions, student leaders and bodies like NANS must be at alert.
“This initiative will empower students with the knowledge to protect themselves,” the Organizing Committee Chairman continued, adding that institutions and security agencies must work together to create safe learning environments.
“We are proud to back this effort by NANS in Edo,” noted Comrade Stephen. “Our Committee will deliver. Student safety is non-negotiable, and events like this help translate concern into concrete action.”
Following the symposium, teams from higher institutions across Edo will compete in the inter-school quiz, testing their knowledge of campus security and related current affairs.
Organizers promise attractive prizes and recognition for the top schools. “Our quiz questions will highlight important safety facts as well as general knowledge,” explained Comrade Ogochukwu Isioma, Public Relations Officer of the Organizing Committee.
“Top-performing schools will walk away not only with prizes, but with a better understanding of how to stay safe. The event will also feature networking opportunities and insightful panel discussions.
“The event generally aims to foster networking and idea-sharing. Students will have opportunities to meet peers from other campuses and mingle with panelists and security experts,” he added.
According to Isioma, “This symposium is a platform for building lasting partnerships. We expect that by the end of the day, stakeholders will have concrete plans to improve safety across Edo campuses.”
The organizers stressed that ensuring a “safe campus for students” is the ultimate goal – by raising awareness, encouraging vigilance, and rewarding those who contribute to a secure campus culture.
