The Chairman of the Committee on Education, Tertiary Institutions, Science and Technology in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Oluwafemi Fowokanmi, has urged heads of tertiary institutions across the state to enhance their security measures to better protect students and their property. This call comes in the wake of the tragic death of Akor Alexander Timilehin, a 200-level engineering student at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, who was allegedly murdered on May 25, 2024.

Hon. Fowokanmi made this appeal while presenting the committee’s report on a condolence visit to Ajayi Crowther University before the House. The visit was mandated by the House of Assembly to investigate the incident and to convey condolences to the university’s management on behalf of the legislature.

Expressing sympathy on behalf of the state House of Assembly to both the institution and the bereaved family, Hon. Fowokanmi also appreciated the efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde for his supportive role since the incident occurred. He commended the state Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Professor Salihu Adelabu, for his prompt and unwavering intervention.

The lawmaker called on the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Hamzat Adebola, to expedite the investigation into Akor Alexander Timilehin’s death and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. “The Nigeria Police Force, Oyo State Command, should expedite action on the investigation into the cause of Akor Alexander Timilehin’s death, ensuring that the culprits face the full wrath of the law,” Fowokanmi stated.

Fowokanmi also urged the management of Ajayi Crowther University and other tertiary institutions in the state to improve their internal security architectures, such as by installing CCTV cameras in hostel corridors and other strategic locations. He recommended the establishment and empowerment of campus security task forces, involving student representatives to monitor and address security issues within and around the institutions.

Furthermore, he called for continued collaboration between the Executive Arm of Government, through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), and private tertiary institutions in the state to ensure necessary support and security measures are in place.

“The Executive Arm of Government should continue its collaboration with private tertiary institutions in the state and provide necessary support to Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo,” Fowokanmi urged.

This push for enhanced security measures aims to prevent future tragedies and ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for all students in Oyo State.