Patrick Ikenweiwe, a deputy director at the DSS, has proposed that Nigeria’s first-class graduates should be compelled to join the intelligence agency. Speaking at a lecture in Ilorin, he argued that top academic performers possess the intellect needed to tackle organized crime and enhance national security operations.
A senior official at the Department of State Services (DSS), Patrick Ikenweiwe, has proposed that first-class graduates should be compelled to join the country’s intelligence agency. Speaking at a lecture at the University of Ilorin, Ikenweiwe argued that top graduates possess the intellectual capacity needed to combat sophisticated criminal networks.
Representing DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi, he emphasized that security agencies should not be staffed with individuals of lower academic performance. According to him, developed nations prioritize recruiting their best minds into intelligence services, and Nigeria should adopt a similar approach.
Citing examples from Israel, he noted that students who achieve high scores in entrance exams are automatically assigned to universities and security roles. He stressed that only those with exceptional academic records have the analytical skills required to tackle organized crime effectively.
Ikenweiwe further urged Nigerian universities to provide a list of outstanding graduates to strengthen national security. He believes that integrating highly intelligent individuals into security agencies will enhance efficiency in tracking and neutralizing criminal threats.
His comments have sparked debate, with some agreeing that intelligence roles require exceptional minds, while others argue that forcing graduates into such positions might be counterproductive. The proposal raises critical questions about recruitment strategies for Nigeria’s security agencies and the broader approach to national security.
