Ondo – The Vice Chancellor of Wesley University, Prof. Samuel Obeka, has raised alarm over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, warning that human life is increasingly being disregarded.
Speaking during the university’s convocation ceremony on Thursday, Prof. Obeka lamented that “animals now appear to be more valued than humans.”
He attributed the crisis to the rising cases of kidnappings, killings, and violent attacks across the country, stressing that urgent intervention from the government, security agencies, and community leaders is necessary to safeguard citizens.
“Our nation is passing through a traumatic experience,” the VC said. “A country where free fellowship has become a concern, where citizens fear to travel freely as before—where have we gone wrong?”
Recalling a time when clergy could travel safely for crusades in cities like Maiduguri, Jos, and Damaturu, Prof. Obeka noted that such freedom has vanished.
“Today, a few insurgents armed with weapons attack innocent citizens without fear of arrest. It has reached a point where Nigerians must have the liberty to defend themselves,” he said.
Prof. Obeka proposed restructuring the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to include basic arms training after secondary school and advanced security training post-tertiary education.
He argued that if citizens were licensed and trained in self-defence, attacks on the roads could be significantly reduced.
The VC also outlined Wesley University’s internal security measures, highlighting double-layered fencing, a central security command, auxiliary security units, and hostel guardian counsellors an arrangement he described as unique in Nigeria.
In addition to security concerns, Prof. Obeka highlighted the university’s growth and achievements, including full accreditation for inherited programmes, the introduction of 27 new courses, inclusive learning for deaf students, and the establishment of a fully accredited College of Medical and Allied Health Sciences.
He called on philanthropists and corporate bodies to support the institution’s expansion, asserting, “We are confident that Wesley University will experience accelerated growth and become a model for faith-based higher education in Africa.”
