The rector of Yaba College of Technology, Ibraheem Abdul, has urged the use of education, rather than relying solely on arrests, to tackle vices among the youth.

He warned that, if unchecked, vices could destroy the future of many youths.

Mr Abdul spoke when a delegation from the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, led by Oladimeji Moses, visited the institution to explore a strategic partnership on security and a campaign against vices among youths, according to a statement on Monday.

Mr Abdul said that protecting youths against vices would require preventive education and early interventions.

He said that education remained critical to securing Nigeria’s future, warning that allowing youths to embrace criminal influences could deprive Nigeria of future leaders, professionals and innovators.

The rector urged tertiary institutions to promote responsible citizenship.

Mr Abdul commended the LSSTF’s preventive approach, particularly its focus on sensitising youths against vices, and pledged YABATECH’s support for such a programme.

He said that protecting young people remained a collective responsibility of institutions, government agencies, security organisations, parents, alum associations and other stakeholders.

(NAN)