Forgotten Dairies
A Timely Investment In Security: Tinubu’s Erinja Police Academy Campus Deserves Commendation -By Adewole Kehinde
In the final analysis, this decision by President Tinubu is not just about building a new campus; it is about redefining the future of policing in Nigeria. It is about investing in knowledge, discipline, and professionalism as the foundation of national security.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the establishment of a new campus of the Nigeria Police Academy in Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State is a bold and forward-thinking intervention in Nigeria’s security architecture.
It is a decision that not only aligns with statutory provisions but also responds to the urgent realities of policing in a rapidly evolving society.
This approval, anchored in the Nigeria Police Academy (Establishment) Act, 2021, underscores a deliberate commitment to expand the Academy beyond its current base in Wudil.
By embracing a multi-campus structure, the Federal Government is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, accessible, and scalable system of police education capable of meeting the country’s growing security demands.
It is worth recalling the significant role played by former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who stood as one of the major pillars behind the proposed Nigeria Police University of Science and Technology, Erinja, Ogun State (Establishment) Bill, 2025.
His vision and advocacy have now found practical expression in this landmark approval, reinforcing the importance of continuity in institutional reforms.
Perhaps the most fascinating dimension of this development is the special take-off grant of N15 billion, to be sourced from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) 2026 allocation. This funding model is both strategic and pragmatic.
By channeling resources into priority infrastructure, academic facilities, student accommodation, and core training assets, the government is ensuring that the Erinja campus is not just established, but properly equipped to function at a high standard from inception.
Equally commendable is the collaborative effort that led to the siting of the campus in Erinja. The roles played by the Minister of Police Affairs, the Minister of Education, officials of the Federal Ministry of Education, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission deserve recognition. Their recommendation reflects a careful consideration of national spread, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
The choice of Erinja in Yewa South Local Government Area is particularly strategic. It is expected to significantly enhance student intake capacity at a time when the Nigeria Police Force is ramping up recruitment to address manpower shortages.
Beyond numbers, the new campus will help balance funding realities with academic quality assurance, ensuring that expansion does not come at the expense of standards.
More importantly, this initiative speaks to the broader goal of strengthening institutional governance within the police system. A modern, well-resourced Police Academy is central to producing officers who are not only operationally competent but also grounded in ethics, human rights, and contemporary policing methodologies. The Erinja campus will serve as a hub for such progressive training.
In the final analysis, this decision by President Tinubu is not just about building a new campus; it is about redefining the future of policing in Nigeria. It is about investing in knowledge, discipline, and professionalism as the foundation of national security.
For these reasons, the President deserves commendation. This is a step in the right direction, one that, if sustained, will yield long-term dividends for the Nigeria Police Force and the nation at large.
Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. 08166240846. kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole
