The Federal Government and its security apparatus have indicated their willingness to collaborate with Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD’s Centre of Excellence on Cyber Security, Science and Research in addressing the global menace of cyber security challenges which arose from advancement in technology.
Speaking at the launching at Centre in Ado-Ekiti over the weekend, the National Security Adviser, (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt-Gen. I. Ihejirika and the Minister for Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd), underscored the need for such a partnership and collaboration at a time the world is witnessing an increasing wave of cyber crimes.
Last September, the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria, CPN, recognized and designated the four year-old university as a Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security, Science and Research in appreciation of the university’s modest contributions in creating global awareness in ICT after an in situ assessment of quality of facilities and Faculty.
Dasuki, who was represented by Ambassador Haruna Wando, the Director of Communications in the office of the NSA, said his office will not only partner with ABUAD in fighting cyber crimes, it will go a step further by instituting an annual prize for the best graduating student in Cyber Security.
Emphasizing government’s seriousness and determination in this direction, the NSA said a draft bill on Cyber Security has since been submitted to the National Assembly, which when passed into law, will give verve and bite to government’s efforts in this regard and improve Nigeria’s image on the global scene as far as vitiating cyber crimes is concerned.
He commended the university and its Founder, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, for working so tirelessly and for taking the initiative that enabled CPN to recognize and designate the university, described as a benchmark, model and reference point in reformatory education in Nigeria, as a Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Science and Research, a development which will benefit Nigeria, particularly the security forces.
Olubolade who was accompanied by AIG Chris Dega, the Ekiti State Police Commissioner, Mr. S.L Wakama and a team of senior police officers, said by its calling, the Nigeria Police will be a huge beneficiary of the centre, particularly as the war against crime is always won by a combination of physical and electronic weapons.
According to him, “if you are well versed in the use of electronic weapon, which is what the Centre of Excellence on Cyber Security, Science and Research sets out to achieve, the battle is half won”.
He added: “The nation will progress faster when knowledgeable people are assembled for positive purposes. This is what ABUAD has done in the last four years of its existence with the array of knowledgeable professors gathered here. Indeed, the future is here”.
Gen. Olu Adeosun who stood in for Ihejirika said ABUAD should not be left alone in the fight against cyber crimes, pleading that everyone with the interest of the nation at heart should collaborate with the university and all other stakeholders like the military which is already in the forefront of the war against cyber crimes.
Speaking earlier, Babalola said the university is determined, more than ever before, to build strong partnerships with such stakeholders like the government, the police, the armed forces and all law enforcement agencies among many others to reduce security risk by using technology for effective national collaboration and encouraging the adoption of cyber security practices.
According to him, “ABUAD’s Centre of Excellence on Cyber Security, Science and research is here to change the world for better” and therefore appealed to leaders and followers to join hands with the university to make a safer place to live.
The launch was witnessed by ministers, state governors, military top brass, police chiefs and high ranking officials of the Ministry of Interior.
(Ends)
Signed
Tunde Olofintila
Head, Public Relations.