By Stanley Onyekwere
The Federal Capital Territory’s drive for a modernized security architecture received a major boost as high-ranking security chiefs and academic leaders gathered to celebrate the academic advancement of Dr. Peter Olumuji, the Secretary of the FCTA Command and Control Centre.
The event, held in honour of Olumuji’s attainment of a PhD in Security and Strategic Studies from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, served as a platform for the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, and other stakeholders to advocate for the professionalization of Nigeria’s security apparatus through academic excellence and technological innovation.
The Chairman of the occasion, IGP Disu, described the celebrant—widely known by the moniker “Dr. Sharp-Sharp”—as a paragon of honesty and professional persistence. Recounting their time working together during his tenure as FCT Commissioner of Police, the IGP admitted he initially viewed the nickname with skepticism.
According to him: ”I thought it had to do with something shady.But I found out that he is someone who ensures that the job is done.
“Whenever there is a task, he stays on your neck to ensure it is completed. I learned from him: start a job, put a plan to it, and follow it to the last.”
The IGP emphasized that academic certification is crucial for modern security personnel, urging officers to get certified for the specialized roles they perform.
Also speaking, Adamu Gwary, the Director of the FCTA Security Services Department, linked Olumuji’s achievement to the broader “security revolution” led by the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike.
Gwary noted that the department is increasingly populated by Doctors of Philosophy, which he believes will inject “philosophical urgency” into tackling urban security challenges.
”This presupposes that security matters will be handled with innovative responsiveness.
“With the current security situation, this intellectual capacity ensures we have the organization needed to provide top-tier administration for the FCT,” Gwary stated.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of Bingham University, Professor Haruna Kuje Ayuba, who supervised Olumuji during his time at Nasarawa State University, praised the celebrant’s dedication to genuine learning.
”While some students want to get a degree by any means, Dr. Olumuji was ready to learn. We didn’t just work together; we published research together,” Ayuba noted.
He added that the expansion of Security and Strategic Studies programs is vital for the nation, arguing that training experts at this level is now essential to “nip security challenges in the bud” as they scale across the country.
Similarly, Dr. Stephen Okore of the Nigerian Army University, Biu, a long-time academic colleague, described Olumuji as a “gentleman leader” who served as their class governor throughout their Master’s and PhD programs, citing his loyalty and honesty as defining leadership traits.
Responding, Dr. Olumuji highlighted that his doctoral research underscores a critical shift needed in Nigeria’s security strategy: the transition from heavy reliance on physical personnel to the integration of advanced technology.
Olumuji said: “One thing we are going to do is look at modern ways of tackling insecurity, especially in urban areas.
“By introducing more technology, we reduce the reliance on manpower. This is more effective and, crucially, saves the lives of our gallant men and women in the military and law enforcement who face risks in the field.”
The event concluded with a call for continued synergy between the FCTA, the Nigeria Police Force, and academic institutions to ensure that Abuja remains at the forefront of evidence-based security management in Nigeria.
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