Universities are strategic partners in the quest for national security and peace, the acting Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Dr. Mahfouz Adedimeji, and the Zonal Director, National Emergency Management Agency, Minna Office, Mr. Slaku Bijimi, have said.

According to the duo, such institutions have great roles to play in the fight against insurgency, terrorism, and other manner of crimes.

They spoke at the 2015 International Day of Peace lecture organised by the CPSS. The lecture was entitled, "Security, disaster management and the academic environment."

Adedimeji, who urged universities to map out strategies to check insecurity and terrorism in the country, noted that the quest for peace informed the establishment of the centre at UNILORIN.

The centre, he explained, through manpower and capacity development had been contributing to world peace.

Bijimi, in his remarks, called for a closer relationship between the government and the universities, especially in the fight against terrorism and insecurity. He particularly urged universities to engage in research that would help the government in curbing crime in society.

Bijimi added, "There should be an effective collaboration between the universities and the government in all aspects, particularly in security and the campaign for peace in the country.

"Universities should sensitise people on the need for peace. They are integral part of the government and the nation. Government depends on them for research and other things."