Oluwatosin Ajayi, The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), has advocated for a policy that mandates the recruitment of first-class graduates into the intelligence agency, arguing that exceptional intellect is crucial for tackling Security threats. Speaking at the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture at the University of Ilorin’s Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Ajayi, represented by DSS Deputy Director Patrick Ikenweiwe, argued that intelligence work requires exceptional intellect to combat sophisticated threats. He likened his proposal to Israel’s selective university admission system, stating that top academic performers should be compelled to serve in security roles to enhance intelligence gathering and national stability.
Moreover, Ajayi stressed that intelligence agencies require highly skilled personnel to tackle modern security threats such as cybercrime, economic sabotage, separatist agitations, and terrorism. He criticised public perception of Security Agencies as adversarial, warning that such attitudes hinder effective intelligence operations. He further suggested that Nigerian universities should provide details of top-performing students to the DSS for recruitment, ensuring that the agency benefits from the best available talent. His remarks underscored the evolving nature of security challenges and the need for more proactive staffing policies within security institutions.
Oluremi Tinubu backs women’s leadership in security.
Furthermore, Nigeria’s security landscape has shifted from traditional threats like espionage and sabotage to more complex challenges, demanding sophisticated responses. DSS Deputy Director Patrick Ikenweiwe highlighted the agency’s efforts to tackle issues such as terrorism, cybercrime, and separatist movements through strategic collaborations and proactive intelligence gathering. He pointed to the NSA Act and the SSS Instrument No. 1 of 1999 as the legal frameworks that empower the DSS to prevent threats, advise the government on security matters, and undertake additional responsibilities assigned by the president.
In a related development, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu recently received a delegation from the DSS led by Deputy Director-General Afolashade Adekayaoja at the State House, Abuja. The visit highlighted the administration’s commitment to empowering women in security leadership roles. Tinubu commended the DSS for appointing a woman to such a senior position, describing it as a reflection of her husband’s belief in the capability and dedication of women in governance. She encouraged female security personnel to support one another and work diligently to inspire future generations. Adekayaoja, in response, reaffirmed the DSS’s dedication to National Security and gender inclusivity in leadership.
Public trust is key to effective intelligence operations.
While the call for mandatory recruitment of first-class graduates into the DSS aims to bolster intelligence operations, questions remain about the feasibility of such a policy. Critics may argue that academic excellence alone does not necessarily translate into effective intelligence work, which also requires psychological resilience, ethical judgment, and field experience. Moreover, forcing graduates into security service raises concerns about individual career aspirations and the voluntary nature of national service. A more balanced approach might involve offering attractive incentives rather than compulsion.
Additionally, the broader issue of security sector reform must be considered. While intelligence agencies play a crucial role in national stability, strengthening security requires a holistic approach, including improved training, modern Technology adoption, and enhanced public trust. If Nigerians continue to perceive security agencies as adversaries, even the most intellectually capable recruits may struggle to gain cooperation from the public. Changing this perception should be a priority alongside recruitment reforms, as effective intelligence gathering depends not just on skill but also on public willingness to share critical information.
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Overall, the inclusion of more women in security leadership, as highlighted by the DSS delegation’s visit to the First Lady, is a positive step towards gender inclusivity. However, systemic barriers still exist for women in the security sector, ranging from workplace biases to limited career advancement opportunities. Addressing these challenges will require sustained policy changes, mentorship programmes, and institutional commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for female officers in Nigeria’s intelligence and security services. Creating a more inclusive security sector will enhance effectiveness by incorporating diverse perspectives and expertise.