The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam has reiterated the need to continuously review and update the curriculum of the Nigeria Police College to ensure that it is aligned with the latest trends and best practices in law enforcement.
Gaidam, according to a statement signed by the Deputy Director, the Press and Public Relations Unit in the ministry, Bolaji Kazeem, spoke during a meeting with the management and staff of the Nigeria Police Academy at the Police College, Wudil, Kano State.
The minister affirmed that providing cadets with opportunities for practical, hands-on training would better prepare them for the challenges they will face in the field.
He said: “I come to you today with a sense of purpose and determination to address a crucial matter that lies at the heart of our institution’s mission – the improvement of cadet student performance to shape the future leaders of law enforcement in Nigeria.
“As we strive to produce well-disciplined and professionally sound police cadets, it is imperative that we collectively embark on a journey of transformation and innovation in our approach.”
Gaidam charged them to establish a mentorship program where experienced officers can provide guidance and support to cadets that will not only help them navigate their academic journey but also instil in them the values of leadership, integrity, and professionalism.
The minister emphasized ethical conduct and professionalism which are the cornerstones of effective law enforcement, adding that they must instill these values in the cadets from the very beginning and provide them with the tools and resources to make ethical decisions in the face of adversity.
He said they must provide cadets with opportunities to engage with the community and gain practical experience in real-life scenarios that will help them develop empathy, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities that are essential for effective policing.
“Regular evaluation of cadet performance and providing constructive feedback will help identify areas of improvement and enable us to tailor our approach to meet the needs of individual cadets.
“Respect for rules and laws is the foundation of any institution, and the Nigeria Police Academy is no exception. I emphasize the importance of upholding the rules and regulations of the academy, as they are designed to ensure discipline, order, and excellence in training,” he stressed.
Gaidam said the ministry was aware of the challenges faced by the staff of the Nigeria Police Academy, particularly concerning welfare issues such as residential and office accommodation, noting that the Ministry of Police Affairs is fully committed to addressing these concerns and improving the welfare of its dedicated staff.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Police Academy, POLAC, AIG Sadiq Abubakar thanked the federal government and the ministry for their commitment and support to ensure that the institution realizes its objectives as the best police training institution.
He enumerated the challenges of the institutions such as shortage of academic and direct staff; acute shortage of staff quarters; inadequate science and language laboratories and non-completion of major projects in the institution.