By George Ozalla
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has pledged to deepen institutional collaboration with Yakubu Gowon University, formerly University of Abuja, with renewed focus on learning, research and student development.
Adeniyi made the pledge on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, while receiving the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, who led principal officers of the institution on a courtesy visit.
He recalled earlier attempts to formalise a structured partnership between both institutions, noting that the process had advanced significantly in the past before it was stalled by leadership transitions.
“I have a long institutional history with this university. During my tenure as Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, we made serious efforts to formalise a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding. We went very far in the process and were close to signing, but leadership changes on both sides affected the process,” he said.
Adeniyi said despite the delay, the Nigeria Customs Service had continued to support the university in practical ways over the years, including infrastructure and student-focused interventions.
“At different times, we supported the university with transportation facilities, including the provision of a 32-seater bus. We also established a fully equipped computer centre with close to one hundred workstations. These were deliberate efforts aimed at building lasting institutional partnerships,” he said.
He added that the renewed engagement would prioritise projects capable of delivering measurable impact, especially in addressing challenges within the university system.
“For us, beyond legacy, what matters most is impact. We understand the realities facing Nigerian universities, from transportation challenges to infrastructure gaps. Our interest is to support initiatives that will create a conducive learning environment and positively impact students,” he stated.
Adeniyi also said the Service was open to phased implementation of agreed projects, depending on priority and available capacity.
“If there are multiple projects and we are unable to execute everything at once, we can adopt a phased approach and focus on priority areas that will make the greatest difference,” he said.
He further emphasised the importance of strengthening Yakubu Gowon University as a federal capital institution, noting, “It is important for us to have a university in Abuja that truly reflects the status of Nigeria’s capital. I am willing to work with you in that regard.”
Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi commended the leadership of the Comptroller-General and the Nigeria Customs Service, describing the agency as a key institution supporting national development reforms.
“We have come with the highest level of leadership of the university to congratulate you and appreciate the tremendous work being done by the Nigeria Customs Service under your leadership,” he said.
Fawehinmi said the visit was aimed at strengthening strategic partnership between both institutions, noting that the university, with nearly 40,000 students, faces increasing infrastructural and operational demands.
“As the only conventional public university in the Federal Capital Territory, we face enormous responsibilities. Support in areas such as mass transit buses, ICT infrastructure, research facilities, and professional collaboration will significantly strengthen our capacity,” he said.
He also identified the university’s Centre for Defence and Migration Studies as a key area for collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in border management, migration studies, executive training and national security research.
“We are ready to partner with the Nigeria Customs Service. The real beneficiaries of such collaboration will be young Nigerians who represent the future leadership of this country,” he added.
