Get Guardian on GoogleIn a move that redefines campus security and technological education in Nigeria, New Horizons Technologies has donated an advanced surveillance drone system to Babcock University, Ilishan, Ogun State, alongside a comprehensive technology transfer programme that will see students manufacturing drones on campus by 2027.
The state-of-the-art drone, capable of flying 35 kilometres in any direction and reaching altitudes of 19,000 feet, represents a quantum leap in the institution’s security infrastructure.
The system, equipped with three powerful cameras featuring night vision capabilities, can detect suspicious activities in surrounding forests and alert security personnel in real-time.
President and Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the university, Prof. Olutunde Ojewole, who spoke during the unveiling of the system, said security is a moving target.
“It keeps changing because criminals keep innovating, and requires proactiveness at all times. When you’re flying in a plane at 33,000 to 38,000 feet, that’s how high this drone can go. Babcock is on top of its game. We’re not just a premium private university in Nigeria — we’re a pacesetter,” the VC stated.
Ojewole, who disclosed that the university already boasts of 20 CCTV cameras monitoring city entrances, said the varsity had implemented a deafening alarm system to deter intruders.
He said the new drone technology adds another critical layer to this comprehensive security network.
“I thank our security partners who have joined us today. We believe in intelligence, and today we celebrate the faith New Horizons has had in us. The future is already here, and the future is Backup University,” he further stressed.
On his part, Managing Director/CEO of New Horizons, Tim Akano, said: “We’ve been with Babcock for 22 years. We’re not just donating drones — we’re donating technical know-how and a command-and-control security system.”
Akano said that the partnership extends far beyond security.
