IBBU students, staff raise concerns on inconsistent security screening at the institution’s gate

Students and staff at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, have raised concerns over what they describe as inconsistent security screening at the institution’s main gate.

Several students interviewed said they had witnessed people entering the campus without proper screening by the security personnel. 

One student, Joy Ishaku, questioned the effectiveness of the current security measures after observing unfamiliar individuals on campus.

“You mostly see people that don’t look like students passing through the gate, basically without any means of identification,” she said. 

Another student, Anthony Maje, a Biochemistry student, said security checks are not always consistent, noting that people regularly walk into the university without question.

“Some people just barged in, and some people just found their way around it,” he said. 

Ms Ishaku recommended stricter screening procedures and the installation of CCTV cameras to strengthen campus security.

A business operator on campus, Avaran AB Venture, said security officers sometimes inspect him but often allow him through because they recognise him.

“Sometimes it depends on who is on duty, but we are already used to each other. They know me, and I know them, although they do check once in a while.”

He added that everyone entering the university should be screened daily, noting that familiarity should not replace proper security procedures.

However, Idris Shuaibu, Administration Operations Officer at the Centre for Counselling and Career Services, said the university’s security personnel are doing their best despite operational challenges.

Mr Shuaibu called on the university management to recruit more qualified security personnel, provide regular on-the-job training, and invest in modern screening equipment to improve access control. 

“The major challenge is modern equipment. In the 21st century, we are talking about technology, so by now our security should have gadgets to screen students, staff and members of the community, which I think they are lacking,” he said.

The reporting team visited the university’s security office to obtain the security unit’s response. But the Chief Security Officer declined to grant an interview, and requested an official introductory letter from the department before he could comment.

However, the students’ concerns come amid increasing insecurity in Nigeria and around campuses.

This story was produced by students who participated in the Campus Clinic held at the IBBU Lappai in July 2026.

Authors: Aisha Dahiru, Leah Feranmi Oyekola, Tiwatola Adedeji, Rukaya Ibrahim, Albert Monday Baba, Aminu Umar Turaki, Hajara Abubakar Abdullahi, Abba Aliyu Adamu, Omega Amos, Nwachukwu Ebube Christopher, Yusuf Ezra Shekobashi, Hajara Yunusa, Ibrahim Suleiman Benu, Umar Bin Mohammed, Hamzat Ahmed, Lukman Deborah Kalisa, Luqman Alfa Dauda, Fatima Sheikh Musa, Abdullahi Amina Tenni, James Alice, Gimba Aisha, Faith Pambolo Istifanus, Amina Halilu Mohammed, Emmanuel Happiness, Yahaya Khadija Kubrah, Aisha Mohammed Mustapha, Rabiat Alfa, and Aloye Maryam.