At the Senate plenary session of Wednesday, 19 February 2020 a Bill which seeks to establish the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State passed second reading. The Bill which is sponsored by Sen. Halliru Jika (APC: Bauchi) seeks to provide a legal framework for the academy and upgrade same to a university with degree awarding courses.
Leading the debate on the Bill, Sen. Jika noted that despite the establishment of the academy in 1988, its certificates and degrees have failed to be recognized due to the absence of a legal framework that supports the operation of the institution. Sen. Jika also informed lawmakers that the Academy had trained over 5,000 Cadet Officers with qualitative skills required to respond to security emergencies, crimes, law enforcement procedures and operations etc.
In addition, Sen. Jika informed lawmakers that the Bill was intended to nurture, equip and train police officers with the required knowledge, skills and attitudes suitable for policing and community service as citizens continue to express concerns over brutality and high handedness by officers of the Nigeria Police Force. He emphasized that the Bill if passed, will address the capacity challenges that have limited the Force’s effectiveness in the past and address the worsening state of insecurity across Nigeria.
The Bill has been referred to the Committee on Police Affairs for further legislative scrutiny.
