President Bola Tinubu on Saturday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a modern, professional, and accountable police force as he attended the Passing Out Parade of 1,187 graduating cadets of the Nigeria Police Academy in Wudil, Kano State.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tinubu praised the Academy for its growth into a degree-awarding institution and lauded its role in producing officers equipped to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, he described the graduation as “a milestone that reflects the progress made in strengthening national security through improved training and education.”
“This milestone is not just a celebration of hard work and dedication, but also a testament to the progress we have made in shaping a more secure and prosperous future,” he said.
He further commended the Academy for providing “world-class training” and for aligning with his administration’s goal of building “an honest, professional and human rights–respecting police force.”
Tinubu charged the new officers to uphold integrity, fairness, and discipline as they assume their roles in safeguarding lives and property.
“You are not just enforcers of the law; you are guardians of our collective security and well-being,” he told the cadets, urging them to serve selflessly and maintain the trust of Nigerians.
He also encouraged them to remain steadfast in the values of discipline, integrity, and service as they step into active duty.
Promising continued support from the Federal Government, the President promised investments in training, resources, and equipment to enhance the effectiveness of the Police Academy and other security agencies.
“To the families and loved ones of the cadets, your sacrifice and encouragement have shaped these young officers into the professionals we celebrate today,” Tinubu added.
In his address, the Commandant of the Academy, AIG Patrick Atayero, said the 1,187 graduating cadets had successfully completed both academic and professional training, earning bachelor’s degrees in various disciplines, and described the group as “worthy in character and learning.”
Atayero highlighted the Academy’s growth since its establishment in 1998, noting its transformation from temporary campuses in Kaduna and Challawa to Nigeria’s premier police training institution.
He also announced plans to commence postgraduate and diploma programmes to further strengthen police education.
“We have expanded our programmes, increased our intake, and improved our facilities to meet the demands of modern policing,” he said.
The occasion was attended by top government officials, including the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Usman Gayan, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, members of the National Assembly, service chiefs, royal fathers, and parents of the graduating officers. (Punch)
English