MAPOLY is More Disciplined Than People Think – Chief Security Officer, MAPOLY

In this exclusive interview, the Chief Security Officer, CSO, of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, MAPOLY, a retired senior officer of the Nigerian Police Force, shares his journey from his days in the Force to his current role, his views on security challenges at the institution, and his advice for students.

Please introduce yourself and give us a brief background of your service.

I was enlisted into the Nigerian Police Force on February 15, 1988. I am from Ogun State and trained at the Police College in Ikeja. After completing my course, I was first posted to Bendel State, specifically Benin City.

In Benin, I served in Operation “B Ops” shortly after the Anini saga ended. Because of the crises at the time, there was an urgent need for young officers to be deployed to different states. We were eager and determined to face robbers and criminals head-on.

After about two years in Benin, I was transferred to Abeokuta to join the Police Mobile Force, 16 PMF, between 1990 and 1991. I underwent further training at the Police Training School in Maiduguri and Gusau before returning for active operations. That was during the Sina Rambo era, and I was frequently sent to border areas. Thankfully, many of our missions were successful.

Due to my performance, I was promoted to Corporal within nine to ten months, and after another operation against armed robbers, I was again promoted to Sergeant in less than a year.

Eventually, I requested a transfer to the Intelligence Unit. From there, I worked in the State CID, Special Fraud Unit, and other intelligence and investigative departments. I later joined the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) in Lagos and was subsequently transferred again to the Special Fraud Unit in Alagbon.

I served in various capacities until my retirement on February 15, 2023, as the Officer in Charge (OC) of the Special Investigation Unit for Lagos and Ogun States at the Zone 2 Headquarters, Lagos.

After retirement, how did you find yourself at MAPOLY?

After I retired, my community honoured me as the Akogun of Ibeshe. I also ventured into business, selling cement and other building materials.

One Saturday morning, a friend called me to say MAPOLY was looking for a Chief Security Officer. He encouraged me, saying in Yoruba: “Omo, iwo lo le lo Idea fun ru wa abo school yen o de ma tun wulo fun”—meaning, “My friend, you are the one with the capability (‘Idea’ is your nickname), and you will still be useful for that school.”

He sent me the advert. Although the rank required was below my retired police rank, I decided to give it a try. The process was rigorous—oral, written, and practical interviews. Three of us made it to the final stage, after which I was invited for another screening at the DSS. Eventually, I was offered the job.

When I got to MAPOLY, I met cooperative and dedicated subordinates, even though the security staff had reduced drastically—from about 300 personnel 10–11 years ago to fewer than 50 today. Their commitment gave me the zeal to serve wholeheartedly.

Earlier, you mentioned that MAPOLY was not as you had heard before joining. Can you explain?

I had always heard that MAPOLY was full of cultists, that maybe 80–90% of the students were involved. But when I arrived, I discovered that was far from the truth. Sometimes, by 6:30 or 7:00 p.m., I see full classrooms. Many students are serious-minded. MAPOLY is stronger and more disciplined than people think.

You also mentioned the shortage of security personnel in MAPOLY as one of your challenges. What caused this?

According to records, when there were plans to relocate MAPOLY to Ipokia, things deteriorated here. Welfare collapsed, and security staff were not properly supported. Gradually, people left. Only a few, mostly older and more experienced hands, remained. That’s why the number is so low today.

We’ve noticed security staff now wear uniforms and are more identifiable. Is that your initiative?

By God’s grace, yes. It was part of my request, and the management is supporting it. My team and I have been working to improve visibility and professionalism.

Where do you see MAPOLY security in the next 2–3 years?

Two years is enough to make significant progress if the right steps are taken. Security must be prioritized in the school’s budget. MAPOLY has 960 hectares of land, much of which has been encroached upon by neighbouring communities. Without strong security measures, more land could be lost.

Recently, cows were seen on campus again. What’s being done about this?

The presence of cows on campus is an old issue. Since I came, we have been tackling it. If cows are found and their owners identified, we take action and report to the police. With stronger support from management, we can curb it further.

What strategies can help retain and attract more security staff?

First, security must be included in the budget. Second, staff welfare must improve—some officers have been here for 15–16 years without promotion. Casual workers also earn far below minimum wage. We lack vehicles and uniforms too. If these issues are addressed, staff will be more committed, and more people will be willing to work here.

As The Chief Security Officer Of MAPOLY, Do You Partner With Other Security Agencies?

Yes, we strongly partner with DPO Adigbe Police Station, Ogun Civil Defense, Nigerian Cadet, Amotekun and other security agencies. In fact, we do meetings.

What common mistakes do students make that put them at risk?

Choosing the wrong friends. That’s the number one mistake. Avoid cliques that promote bad habits like smoking or drugs. Don’t imitate lifestyles you don’t understand—you might get into unnecessary trouble.

Cult-related activities have drastically reduced, but they might still exist. What advice would you give to students who are approached by such groups?

Be careful about where you go and who you associate with. If someone tries to lure or force you, walk away immediately and report to security. My men are strategically stationed around campus.

The main entrance is the only official exit—if you follow anyone through unofficial routes, you are on your own. We also need more physical barriers like gates and speed bumps to strengthen control.