A top official of the Department of State Services (DSS), Patrick Ikenweiwe, has proposed that first-class graduates from Nigerian universities should be compelled to serve in the country’s intelligence agency to enhance national security.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Naija247news gathered that Ikenweiwe made this assertion while speaking at the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture organized by the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, on February 13. He argued that only the brightest minds should be entrusted with the responsibility of securing the nation.
According to Naija247news, Ikenweiwe, who represented DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi at the event, expressed concerns over the quality of personnel managing Nigeria’s security operations. He insisted that individuals with outstanding academic performance possess the intellect necessary to combat sophisticated criminal networks.
Naija247news understands that Ikenweiwe cited international examples to support his argument, referencing Israel’s university entrance system, where high-scoring students are reportedly mandated to pursue higher education and contribute to national development. He suggested that Nigeria should adopt a similar approach to strengthen its security framework.
“If I have my way, the best of the lot from every academic institution must be forced to serve in the secret service; that is how it is in the so-called developed nations,” Ikenweiwe stated.
Naija247news reports that he further questioned how individuals with low academic performance could be expected to outsmart and neutralize high-profile criminal syndicates. “Tell me, how would a dullard be able to keep security in a criminal gang that is constituted of first-class people? You need intellect to track criminality,” he emphasized.
His remarks have sparked a debate among academics, security experts, and the general public. While some agree that intelligence agencies require the brightest minds to counter evolving security threats, others argue that academic excellence alone does not determine a person’s capability in security operations. Critics also warn that forcing graduates into national service could infringe on individual rights and career choices.
Naija247news understands that Ikenweiwe urged Nigerian universities to collaborate with security agencies by providing a database of top-performing students who could be recruited into the DSS. He maintained that such a move would significantly improve intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism efforts in the country.
As discussions on national security reforms continue, it remains to be seen whether the Nigerian government will consider this proposal as part of its strategy to strengthen intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
