>
Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has reiterated the need to continuously review and update the curriculum of the Nigeria Police College to ensure that it is aligned with the latest trends and best practices in law enforcement.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations Unit of the ministry, Mallam Bolaji Kazeem.
According to the statement, theminister stated this during a meeting with the management and staff of the Nigeria Police Academy, in Wudil, Kano State.
Gaidam stated that providing cadets with opportunities for practical, hands-on training would better prepare them for the challenges they will face in the field.
“I come to you today with a sense of purpose and determination to address a crucial matter that lies at the heart of our institution’s mission – the improvement of cadet student performance to shape the future leaders of law enforcement in Nigeria. As we strive to produce well-disciplined and professionally sound police cadets, it is imperative that we collectively embark on a journey of transformation and innovation in our approach,” he said.
The minister charged them to establish a mentorship programme where experienced officers could provide guidance and support to cadets, stressing that it would not only help them navigate their academic journey, but also instill in them the values of leadership, integrity and professionalism.
He emphasised that ethical conduct and professionalism were the cornerstones of effective law enforcement, adding that they must instill these values in the cadets from the very beginning and provide them with the tools and resources to make ethical decisions in the face of adversity.
Gaidam added that cadets must be provided with opportunities to engage with the community and gain practical experience in real-life scenarios that would help them develop empathy, communication skills and problem-solving abilities that are essential for effective policing.
“Regular evaluation of cadet performance and providing constructive feedback will help identify areas of improvement and enable us to tailor our approach to meet the needs of individual cadets. Respect for rules and laws is the foundation of any institution, and the Nigeria Police Academy is no exception. I emphasise the importance of upholding the rules and regulations of the academy, as they are designed to ensure discipline, order, and excellence in training,” the former Yobe State governor said.
He pointed out that the ministry was aware of the challenges faced by the staff of Nigeria Police Academy, especially in the area of welfare such as residential and office accommodation. The minister noted that the Ministry of Police Affairs was fully committed to addressing these concerns and improving the welfare of the dedicated staff.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Police Academy (POLAC), AIG Sadiq Abubakar, had thanked the Federal Government and the ministry for their commitment and support to ensure that the institution realises its objectives as the best police training institution.
He enumerated the challenges facing the institution such as shortage of academic and direct staff; acute shortage of staff quarters; inadequate science and language laboratories and non-completion of major projects in the institution.