Security Challenges in Universities: Implications for Safe School Environment

Abstract

This study researched on security challenges in universities and the implications for safe school environment. Three hundred and twenty five (325) samples, constituting 50% of a population of 650 security personnel in two universities in the study area participated in the study. The study was based on three research questions and one hypothesis. Data for the study was gathered through a 42-item questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated and tested for reliability using Cronbach Alpha with a reliability index of 0.87. Data collected were analyzed using means, standard deviation and independent t-test. Results indicated that cult-related activities, kidnapping, drug abuse/offences, illegal possession of fire arms by students, students’ restiveness/demonstrations, students’ union election crisis, room break-in, stealing and pilfering and sexual assaults were the most prevalent security challenges.  Findings also showed that inadequate security personnel, insufficient patrol vehicles, poor lighting of university environments, non-availability of modern security facilities, poor funding of security departments, porous campus environments, lack of security-awareness education, non-availability of electronic gadgets among others were the factors militating against effective security checks in universities. Implications for safe school environment were discussed, and one of the recommendations was that the security unit should be well funded and equipped with modern technology by the university management for a better performance.