Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, has launched a drone surveillance system capable of covering a 30 kilometre radius beyond its campus, strengthening security for students, staff and surrounding communities amid rising insecurity across the country.

The initiative was executed in partnership with information technology firm New Horizons, which donated the surveillance infrastructure to the university based on a partnership spanning over 22 years. A central control room equipped with large screens for real time monitoring has been installed inside the New Horizons Building within the Department of Computer Science.

The Vice Chancellor of Babcoak University, Prof. Afolarin Ojewole, received the equipment and reaffirmed the university's commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment.

"Babcock is not only concerned about academics, but about character and security. While we are watching over our own, we are also looking out for those around our community so that together we can have an ecosystem where people can sleep peacefully at night," he said.

Ojewole disclosed that the university plans to procure two additional drones to expand aerial coverage and improve emergency response. He added that discussions were ongoing to integrate drone technology and robotics into academic programmes, equipping students with practical skills in emerging technologies.

The New Horizons CEO, Tim Akano, said the donated drone can fly at altitudes of up to 7,000 feet, providing real time aerial imaging and clear night vision to support rapid security response.

"Security is a moving target. It's not static, it keeps changing because those engineering insecurity keep innovating and inventing new ways to carry out their crimes. Therefore, institutions like Babcock University also need to be ahead of the perpetrators, and that is the main reason for the donation," Akano said.

He confirmed that New Horizons would train university security personnel in drone operation, maintenance and repairs before transferring full control of the system to the university authority.

The launch was attended by representatives of the Nigeria Police from the Ilishan Division led by Divisional Police Officer CSP Betty Ajuwon, officials of the Ilishan Development Association and members of university management