In spite of the rudderless leadership that seems to characterise every level of governance in Nigeria, some beautiful ideas and concepts still occasionally filter into the polity. Barring policy summersault which has become a norm rather than the exception in the country, Nigeria will be taking Africa by storm with the first police university on the continent sited at the premises of the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, in the ancient city of Kano.

This, to us, is a monumental development in a country with a police agency that appears to defy any positive definition or qualification. We welcome and cherish the idea.

The university, with the approval of President Goodluck Jonathan, is expected to begin operation in September this year as jointly announced by Caleb Olubolade, minister of Police Affairs, and Mohammed Abubakar, acting Inspector General of Police during an inspection tour of the university project.

The Nigeria Police carries with it an enormous moral burden that has painfully lowered it in the estimation of Nigerians. The agency faces attitudinal, moral and professional challenges every minute of its existence, and this is why we are particularly happy that the IGP recognises that the agency really needs a lot more education to shore up its image and also give professional touch to crime fighting. We hope that this is the purpose which the university is out to serve.

We believe that education liberates the mind, and at university level, it not only rebuilds but also refines, producing in the process an emotionally balanced and stable character.

Perhaps some of the odd and unprofessional conducts associated with police officers, coupled with the negative public perception of the police agency generally, wouldn’t have arisen if there had been a structured learning process, like the type now being put in place, which could have impacted positively on both the psyche and worldview of an average police officer.

Nigeria and Nigerians have seen police officers who mindlessly pull the trigger on defenceless motorists for refusing to part with their money for no known offence committed; they have also seen police officers who resort to street operations in mufti, extorting money from hapless motorcyclists (okada) whose motorcycles are seized and released only on payment of sums ranging from N2,000 to N5,000. The country has also seen a police agency that compromises itself, with officers aiding high profile crime suspects to escape justice.

These are some of the unprofessional conducts of the police officers which we hope the upcoming university would address to bring about a turnaround. It is our expectation that the university should stress teachings that would promote ethics and build professionalism.

It has been observed, and rightly too, that most of the police officers of the lower cadre are emotionally erratic and intellectually inadequate, and would readily throw reason to the dogs while dealing with situations that demand intellect and diplomacy.

Nigeria is today on a sad chapter of its development history with disquieting security challenges arising from social deviants and religious fundamentalists. The country therefore needs a police agency that can rise to these challenges in a most professional manner.

We advise that the upcoming university should be made compulsory for all police officers without university education, not minding their rank or position. Entry should, however, be based on merit to avoid a return to the status quo.