Professor Offiong Efanga Offiong, Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, recently highlighted the pressing need for aggressive strategies to combat Nigeria’s escalating security problems. Speaking at the 2nd International Hybrid Conference 2026, themed around the link between insecurity and national development, he emphasized that stability is a prerequisite for any meaningful progress.
Represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Anthony Eneji, the Vice Chancellor argued that the government and the public must confront insecurity with decisive action rather than hesitation. He noted that the university’s Department of Criminology and Security Studies is uniquely positioned to assist, offering expert research and training in intelligence and crime prevention to support state efforts.
UNICAL is actively seeking partnerships with security agencies, including the police and military, to turn academic research into actionable intelligence. This collaboration aims to provide evidence-based solutions for threat assessment and community engagement.
Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, who chaired the event, echoed these sentiments by advocating for technology-focused policing. He suggested creating specialized units for cybercrime and emphasized that effective national security depends on a unified approach involving the government, law enforcement, and local citizens.