The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has called for stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, to improve police education, specialised research, and technology-driven training across the country.
Disu made the appeal during a visit to the headquarters of TETFund in Abuja, where he disclosed that the Police Force had already submitted proposals outlining key programmes and implementation strategies requiring support from the intervention agency.
According to the Inspector-General, the police leadership is focused on expanding the training capacity of the Force, promoting academic excellence in policing and international security studies, and strengthening professionalism through modern educational systems and advanced learning technologies.
He explained that education remains one of the most critical foundations for effective law enforcement, noting that many of the challenges confronting policing in Nigeria are linked to inadequate training and limited opportunities for professional development.
Disu stressed the need for scientific and research-based policing, especially in rapidly evolving areas such as forensic science, criminology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, drone operations, and crime analytics.
The police chief stated that modern security threats require highly trained specialists capable of handling digital crimes, forensic investigations, and intelligence-driven policing.
He noted that effective policing can no longer rely solely on conventional methods, adding that the Force requires competent forensic officers, researchers, and technology experts to meet present-day security demands.
The Inspector-General also appealed for sustained TETFund intervention in infrastructure development to support the successful establishment of the proposed police academy campus in Ogun State.
The requested support includes lecture theatres, ICT centres, laboratories, libraries, research facilities, student accommodation, and staff development programmes necessary for the institution’s takeoff and long-term sustainability.
Responding, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, assured the Nigeria Police Force of the agency’s continued support toward the establishment and growth of the proposed academy campus.
Echono disclosed that TETFund had already begun plans for joint inspections and assessments of facilities required for the commencement of academic activities at the institution.
He explained that the move follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the establishment of the new police academy campus in Ogun State.
Stakeholders say the collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and TETFund could significantly strengthen police professionalism, improve research capacity, and encourage the adoption of modern security technologies needed to tackle emerging crimes and national security challenges.
Code-F