The University of Lagos on Tuesday said it was collaborating with the state’s task force to address some illegal activities and the menace of hoodlums, among others, around the institution’s gate.

According to a statement by the institution, the coordinator of the security unit at UNILAG, David Omotoso, who signed the statement, explained that the collaboration is to strengthen security and improve the environment around the institution.

Mr Omotoso stated that the collaboration was reached when he led his team on a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Taskforce chairman, Adetayo Akerele, on September 26. 

He stated that during the visit to the task force headquarters in Oshodi, the team conveyed the goodwill of the vice-chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola, and the university management to Mr Akerele.

He said the engagement was aimed at fostering closer collaboration with the task force to address pressing issues around the university’s main gate.

According to him, they include traffic congestion, environmental sanitation, and activities of illegal traders, hawkers, and hoodlums that have increasingly distorted the aesthetics and safety of the area.

In response, Mr Akerele reaffirmed the taskforce’s readiness to support UNILAG in its efforts to maintain a safe and orderly environment.

He pledged full cooperation with the vice chancellor’s vision and directed the establishment of a dedicated front desk at the task force office to handle cases referred by the UNILAG security unit. He said such cases would be processed promptly through the task force’s six mobile courts.

He added that with the renewed collaboration, the university’s security unit, backed by UNILAG’s management, would be reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that the university remained safe. 

Mr Akerele said the collaboration was also to secure a conducive environment for students, members of staff, visitors, and the wider community. 

(NAN)