The Lagos State Government has launched a comprehensive, multi-agency initiative to overhaul security across its tertiary institutions.

Key stakeholders, at the inaugural Lagos Campus Security and Safety Summit held on Tuesday at Lagos State College of Medicine, Ikeja, unveiled a new roadmap combining intelligence-led operations, technological investment, and student-centred engagement to combat evolving threats and social vices.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, called for a fundamental shift toward “people-centred” security.

Describing campuses as micro-cities, Sule emphasised that the stability of the institutions is vital to the state’s urban governance.

Campus security is not only about gates, guards, or gadgets, he stated, saying it is about values, culture, and foresight, Learning cannot thrive where safety is uncertain.

The Commissioner outlined a proactive strategy focused on early-warning systems, integrated infrastructure planning, and addressing root causes such as mental health and economic pressure before they were exploited by criminal elements.

In a major boost to institutional capacity, Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, announced the donation of one dedicated patrol vehicle and security boots to Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo, Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Ijanikin and Lagos State University of Science and Technology, LASUSTECH, Ikorodu.

Dr. Ogunsan noted that while smart technology is essential, it must be balanced with human capacity.

He said the cost of security failure is always significantly higher than the cost of preventive investment.

Commissioner of Police, Olohunda Jimoh, in his contribution advocated for extending the Police Community Relationship Committee, PCRC, to campuses.

He proposed a comprehensive screening process for new admissions to filter out social misfits and emphasised a proactive detect and respond model to curb drug abuse and cultism.

Earlier in his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Union Affairs – Tertiary Education, Samuel Kappo, stressed that student excellence is impossible without safety.

He urged participants to move beyond dialogue toward practical, strategic, and collaborative solutions that empower students as active stakeholders in their own protection.

The summit was a deliberate and proactive step of the state government to enhance safety and security in all the tertiary institutions in the state.