13th August, 2023
By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/ Kano
Nigeria’s President, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged 169 cadet graduands at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano, to embrace professionalism and remain resolute in combating corruption, crime and criminal activities.
President Tinubu, who spoke through Vice President Kashim Shetima, tasked the cadets to justify the trust and confidence Nigerians reposed in them.
“There could never have been a better time to remind you of what lies ahead. You are leaving here bearing the promise and oath to be the uncompromising guardian of your fatherland,” President Tinubu said.
He promised that his administration would remain resolute in fighting insecurity, terrorism, banditry and other forms of crime.
A high point of the occasion was the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the Regular Court 5/2017 Cadet graduands.
In his speech, the Commandant of the Academy, AIG Sadiq I. Abubakar (PhD), expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his sustained support of the Academy, being the only one on the coast of West Africa.
He said: “On behalf of the management and staff of the Academy, I have the privilege to welcome our esteemed visitor, The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR.
“We thank Mr President for the honour of being part of this event to review the Passing out Parade and commissioning of Regular Course Five (RC 5/2017) graduands.
“The Academy is proud to present to Mr President 169 well-trained and nurtured Graduating Cadets, who have successfully completed both their academic studies and professional training.
“They are worthy both in character and learning. All of them have been awarded Bachelor’s Degrees in different disciplines.”
AIG Abubakar reminded the graduating Cadets that, “today is not just the culmination of one chapter in your lives, but the beginning of another.
“As you prepare to step out into the field of service, always remember the sacred trust that has been placed upon your shoulders.
“You are not just uniformed individuals enforcing the law, but the embodiment of justice, the defenders of peace, order and national security. Each interaction you have with members of the public will shape their perception of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Therefore, treat every encounter with respect, empathy, fairness and patriotism.
“Remember that your commitment to public service is not restricted to regular duty hours.
“Your dedication extends beyond the confines of the job; it is a way of life. Your sacrifices and commitment will never go unnoticed and the difference you make in safeguarding the rules of law will be immeasurable.
“Your commissioning into the Nigeria Police is coming at a period when the country has been challenged by various security issues.
“However, it coincides with the recent policy of the Ag. Inspector General of Police on repositioning of the force, for a good service delivery.
“Therefore, I urge you to discharge your responsibilities sincerely, professionally and diligently.
“Your exceptional training, which is grounded in excellent academic discipline, should in all contexts be effectively displayed in the service of this great country, especially in the fight against crimes, corrupt practices and terrorism.
“Once again, congratulation to each and every one of you, as you march proudly into a world that beckons your expertise, moral compass and unwavering dedication to protect and serve. I also want to congratulate your families who have stood by you and given you all the moral support needed to succeed.”
The security academic further expressed his, “deepest and sincere appreciation to our esteemed President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, for honouring our invitation. We appreciate your tireless effort to address the needs and concerns of the Academy.
“Also, we appreciate the people who made this event successful; The Chairman, Police Service Commission who is serving as the Alternate Chairman of the Academy Board Council, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Police Affairs and all the serving and retired stakeholders who are always ready to assist us in our areas of need.
“We must mention here the exceptional encouragement and support given to the Academy by The Ag. Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM. We wish all of us happy stay, as we witness this auspicious event.”
The Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano was established on the 15th of March, 1998.
Initially, it started from two temporary locations; Police College Kaduna and Police Training School Challawa, Kano.
At that initial stage, it was not a Degree Awarding Institution. It is on record that, since its inception; the Academy has made the Nigerian Nation proud.
A good number of Senior Police Officers including the Ag. Inspector-General of Police started their professional training in this institution either as ASP Cadets or Inspector Cadets.
The upgrading of the Academy to a Degree Awarding Institution started in June 2009.
In January 2012, it commenced degree programs with four faculties namely; Humanities, Law, Sciences and Social & Management Sciences, with a total number of Seventeen Departments.
The Academy admits holders of Senior Secondary School Examination Certificate to undergo five-year academic and professional training, after which they are graduated and commissioned as ASPs.
The core objective of the Academy is to produce an ideal Superior Police Officer who is equipped with the knowledge and skills to face the challenges of policing in an increasingly complex Nigerian society and a technologically sophisticated world.
With the commitment and continuous support of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Academy is able to vigorously pursue policies that are purposely focused on transforming the Academy as one of the best Police Training Institutions that take the lead in innovative practices, research, training, modern policing, and quality education.
These achievements are facilitated through numerous Federal Government Intervention Support Programs e.g. Tetfund, for the provision of staff training and modern facilities.