Abolurin pushes for degree-awarding status for civil defence college
The pioneer Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Adewale Abolurin, has called for the upgrade of the Civil Defence College of Security Management, Abeokuta, to enable it to offer degree and postgraduate programmes.
Abolurin appealed for the pulling-out and retirement ceremony of Assistant Commandant-General (ACG) Iskil Makinde, the college’s pioneer provost, who retired after more than three decades of service.
Nathan Tamarapreye
The pioneer Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Adewale Abolurin, has called for the upgrade of the Civil Defence College of Security Management, Abeokuta, to enable it to offer degree and postgraduate programmes.
Abolurin appealed for the pulling-out and retirement ceremony of Assistant Commandant-General (ACG) Iskil Makinde, the college’s pioneer provost, who retired after more than three decades of service.
He said the institution should be repositioned as a centre of excellence comparable to military academies and other specialised security training institutions.
“We want to see this institution in the near future as a place of pride, where everyone can confidently say it meets the demands of the modern era,” Abolurin said.
The former NSCDC boss also urged officers and personnel of the corps to embrace continuous education and professional development, regardless of their entry qualifications.
Highlighting Makinde’s academic journey from Higher National Diploma (HND) holder to doctorate degree holder, Abolurin described the achievement as a model worthy of emulation.
According to him, Makinde’s educational advancement should inspire officers who believe their academic ambitions are limited by their initial qualifications.
He commended the retired officer for his resilience, integrity and immense contributions to the growth and development of the corps.
Abolurin further charged NSCDC personnel to remain proactive and professional in carrying out their duties, noting that such commitment is vital for the corps to fulfil the objectives of its upgrade by the Federal Government and make meaningful contributions to national security.
He also stressed the importance of religious tolerance, saying Christians and Muslims can work together effectively and achieve success despite their differences in faith.
In his welcome address, ACG Olushola Akibo, Zonal Commander, Zone 1 Headquarters, Lagos, described Makinde as a distinguished officer, leader, mentor and exemplary public servant.
Akibo said Makinde served the corps with professionalism, discipline, diligence and a deep sense of responsibility, adding that his contributions to the organisation and influence on younger officers would remain a lasting part of its legacy.
“Today, we celebrate not merely the rank attained or offices occupied, but the fine gentleman behind the uniform; the experiences gathered, relationships built and challenges overcome,” he said.
The zonal commander also acknowledged the sacrifices made by Makinde’s family, praising their patience, prayers and unwavering support throughout his years in service.
In separate goodwill messages, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, and the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Sheikh Tolihat Yunus, commended Makinde for his dedication, discipline and commitment to duty.
Elemide described the retired officer’s contributions to the corps and the nation as worthy of recognition and urged him to remain a worthy ambassador of the NSCDC in retirement.
Yunus congratulated Makinde on his meritorious retirement, describing him as a source of inspiration to younger officers, and prayed for continued peace, good health and fulfilment in retirement.
Also speaking, ACG Niyi Akintelure, Provost of the Civil Defence College of Security Management, Abeokuta, lauded Makinde for his integrity and service to the corps.
Akintelure said the retired officer played a significant role in promoting credibility, accountability and transparency in the discharge of his responsibilities.
Makinde, who retired as Zonal Commander, Zone 11, Akure, expressed gratitude to the NSCDC management, family members, religious leaders, sister security agencies, professional bodies, colleagues and friends for their support throughout his career.
He acknowledged the sacrifices required by the job, including periods when official duties kept him away from his family.
Makinde said he was leaving the service without bitterness, choosing instead to embrace gratitude, forgiveness and peace.
He attributed his achievements to Allah and pledged to continue serving society while mentoring younger generations.
“The uniform may come off, but service to humanity must never come off the heart,” he said.
The ceremony attracted senior serving and retired NSCDC officers, traditional rulers, clerics, government officials, representatives of security agencies, family members, friends and colleagues.
Among the dignitaries present were the Alake of Egbaland, represented by the Chief Imam of Egbaland; the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso; the Ogun State Head of Service; and commandants of the NSCDC commands in Ogun, Ondo and Edo states.
