The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, has called for a transformative policy that would make it mandatory to recruit first-class graduates into Nigeria’s intelligence agency. This bold proposal was presented during the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture at the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Kwara State. In his address, titled *“The Roles of the DSS in Security, Peacekeeping, and National Integration,”* Ajayi emphasized the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how security agencies select and deploy personnel, advocating for the inclusion of top academic performers to tackle the country’s increasingly complex security challenges.
Represented by the DSS Deputy Director, Mr. Patrick Ikenweiwe, Ajayi argued that recruiting individuals with exceptional intellectual capabilities is not just an option but a necessity for safeguarding national security. Drawing inspiration from Israel’s rigorous university admission system, he highlighted the importance of enlisting the best minds to counter sophisticated criminal networks. “Tell me, how would a ‘Dundee’ (dullard) be able to keep security in a criminal gang that is constituted of First Class people? You know, it takes intellect to track criminality,” he remarked.
Ajayi further proposed that Nigerian universities should provide detailed records of outstanding graduates to facilitate their mandatory recruitment into critical sectors like the DSS. “If I have my way in this country, and we keep praying that we do the right thing, the academia should be able to supply us sincerely with the details of students who have excelled in their various fields of study so that they would be forced to serve this great nation,” he stated. His comments underscored the belief that intelligence work requires sharp analytical skills, strategic thinking, and adaptability—qualities often exhibited by high-achieving students.
Beyond recruitment reforms, Ajayi also addressed the pervasive public perception of security agencies as adversaries rather than allies. He noted that this negative image hinders effective intelligence gathering, peacebuilding efforts, and national integration. “Many Nigerians view security agencies as threats instead of partners in progress,” he lamented. Such attitudes, he warned, undermine the collaborative spirit needed to combat modern security threats effectively. To bridge this gap, Ajayi urged stakeholders to foster trust between citizens and security operatives, emphasizing that mutual cooperation is vital for maintaining law and order.
The lecture delved deeper into the evolving nature of Nigeria’s security landscape, which has transitioned from traditional threats like sabotage, subversion, and espionage to more intricate challenges such as terrorism, insurgency, separatist agitations, militancy, cybercrime, and economic sabotage. According to Ikenweiwe, these multifaceted issues demand innovative strategies and robust inter-agency collaboration. He reaffirmed the DSS’s commitment to addressing these threats through strategic partnerships with sister agencies and sustained engagement with relevant stakeholders.
Highlighting the legal frameworks guiding the DSS’s operations, Ikenweiwe referenced the National Security Agencies (NSA) Act CAP N74 LFN, 2024, and the SSS Instrument No. 1 of 1999. These documents outline the agency’s mandate to prevent and detect crimes against Nigeria’s internal security, protect classified non-military matters, and advise the government on national security interests. Additionally, the DSS plays a pivotal role in combating espionage, subversion, sabotage, terrorism, separatist movements, and economic crimes with national security implications. The agency also provides timely counsel to the presidency and executes other functions assigned by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
In line with its capacity-building initiatives, the DSS offers specialized training programs designed to equip officers with the skills needed to address contemporary security challenges. Notably, these programs have benefited participants from the Nigeria Armed Forces, other security agencies, and even international counterparts. Graduates of these courses have gone on to excel in their respective roles, contributing significantly to national and global security efforts.
Meanwhile, in a related development underscoring the administration’s commitment to gender inclusivity, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu hosted a delegation from the DSS led by Deputy Director-General Mrs. Afolashade Adekayaoja at the State House in Abuja. During the meeting, Tinubu commended the DSS for appointing women to high-ranking positions, describing it as a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s belief in the competence and dedication of female leaders. “Women who have proven themselves in their careers deserve recognition and leadership roles. This is a reflection of my husband’s long-standing conviction that women are highly responsible and committed,” she said.
Tinubu encouraged female leaders within the DSS to support one another and execute their duties diligently, serving as role models for future generations. Responding to the First Lady’s remarks, Adekayaoja expressed gratitude for the administration’s emphasis on gender equality and reiterated the DSS’s unwavering dedication to ensuring national security and stability.
The push for compulsory recruitment of first-class graduates into the DSS reflects a broader vision to enhance the agency’s operational effectiveness. By prioritizing intellectual rigor and fostering a culture of excellence, the DSS aims to strengthen its ability to address emerging security threats while promoting peace and national integration. As Nigeria grapples with increasingly sophisticated challenges, the call to enlist the brightest minds serves as both a practical solution and a symbolic step toward building a safer, more resilient nation.
Ultimately, Ajayi’s advocacy for systemic change underscores the importance of aligning human capital with national priorities. If implemented, this policy could revolutionize Nigeria’s approach to security, empowering the DSS to operate with greater precision and efficiency. At the same time, bridging the gap between citizens and security agencies remains crucial to achieving lasting peace. Through collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, Nigeria can chart a path toward a future where security is not only maintained but strengthened by the collective efforts of its most talented individuals.
