THE USE OF ICT IN CRIME DETECTION AND SCHOOL SECURITY IN NIGERIA UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

The prevalence of crime in higher institutions in Nigeria has been on the increase in recent years, this has not only become a concern to the government, but to the university authorities and members of the society. The menace consequently, is crippling the entire educational goals as insecurity, which is a product of crime, disrupts the curriculum. It is quite obvious that crimes like stealing, rape, cultism, examination malpractice, murder and many more has come to stay on campus.

This study focuses on the use of  information and communication technology (ICT) in crime detection and  safety in Nigeria Universities. It reveals ways of implementing ICT facilities to curb these heinous crimes that intercept our educational goals.

The study made use of cross sectional  survey with validated structured questionnaire as method of data collection from two selected universities in Enugu state (Godfrey Okoye University, and the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus). In the analysis, mean table was used to present result while  frequency table and simple percentage were used to analyze each questionnaire item. The findings revealed major challenges and  solutions to the use of ICT facilities for crime detection in Nigeria universities. The challenges includes unavailability of sufficient ICT  facilities like metal detectors, biometric finger print identity system, electronic detectors, bomb detectors, car trackers, faraday cage, phone signal jammers and so on;  lack of student awareness and usage available tools; poor functionality of available facilities; lack of implementation of newer technologies;  poor perception of student on the use of some ICT tools for crime detection,  etc.. Findings from the research suggests that as a matter of urgency, the government,  university authorities and stakeholders in education should collaborate to make necessary ICT tools available in schools to ensure school safety. Proper orientation to freshers could also curb awareness challenge.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the study

             Today’s college and universities are faced with many challenges in the attempt to provide a campus that is safe and secure. The college campus has traditionally been known as a safe haven for students, but recent tragic events have left the leaders of higher education with the challenge of preparing for tragedies that could happen on their campuses (Carrico, 2016).

             Nigerian university society is faced with many crimes that go undetected but undeniable. Crimes like stealing, robbery, rape, cultism, vandalism, open threat, homicide etc. have come to stay on campuses. These crimes has turned school environment from the peaceful conducive and safe place it used to be, to an insecure, fearful and uncomfortable place.

              Safety of the students both physical and psychological is central to their academic performance.  Every person desires to feel and stay safe for maximum performance. Security is a first-order or necessary precondition for the development of human beings and societies (Etannibi, 2016).

             Crime is not a concept of concern only to Nigerian educational institutions. It is universal, with a very long and difficult history to trace. Many universities in all parts of the worlds have their fair share of crime which has become an issue of national concern. Crime impacts on the society in a variety of ways according to the nature and extent of crime committed. It constitutes a problem when its incidence is so rampant in the society as to constitute a threat to the security of persons and property, as well as social order and solidarity (Adebayo, 2013).

             School security has become an increasingly high priority for higher institutions. Since crime introduces insecurity, detecting crime situations through machines and data mining approaches can be used to promote school safety.

Crime is growing uncontrollably in Nigeria universities despite the enormous effort of university administrators to prevent and control them. Crime is an act committed or omitted in violation of a law for which punishment is imposed upon conviction.

             In the past few decades, there has been a revolution in computing and communication, and all indications are that technological progress and use of information technology will continue at a rapid rate.(Konsbruck, 2018). One of the most striking technological developments of recent years has been the emergence of digital technology as a powerful tool in our lives.  Information Communication and Technology could play a great role in crime detection and enhancement of school security. ICT tools like Closed Circuit Television(CCTV), emergency call systems, metal detectors, GPS tracker, biometric scanner, bomb detectors are useful technologies for improved security. These tools reduces crime by giving criminals the thought that they would be seen, identified and possibly be caught if the engage in crime. Since most students don’t want to be known  for crimes like rape, stealing etc. because of their law penalty and personal reputation, these tools helps to keep the school environment secure. Students perpetrate most on-campus crime and are the highest victims of such crimes. Crimes among university students could be prevented, detected and enhanced using technologies of  ICT.

The tragic situation of Nigeria universities having rapid increase of  seemingly uncontrollable criminal acts and the pressure it places on school administrators gave ground for the exploration of Information Communication and Technology tools and how they can be used to detect these heinous crimes and at larger level propagate school security.