By Jabiru Hassan
The Senate of the Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC) has held its first valedictory session to honour the retiring 24th Commandant of the institution, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Patrick A. Atayero.The session, held at the Senate Chamber of the academy, brought together members of the management team, deans, directors, heads of departments and academic and non-academic staff.
Those in attendance included the Academy Provost, Prof. Salisu Adamu Abdullahi; Director of Training and Courses, CP Ishaku Basiran Markus; Registrar, Barr. Fidelis Ekpere Ezeugwu; Academy Librarian, Dr Aliyu Haidar Abubakar; Director of Works and Physical Infrastructure, CP Musa Mohammad; and Bursar, DCP Suleiman Iki Nuhu.
Atayero’s wife, Sarah, and their children also attended the session.In their tributes, speakers described the retiring commandant as a transparent and approachable leader who prioritised staff welfare and promoted fairness within the academy. The Academy Provost commended Atayero’s contributions, including the completion of previously stalled projects, improvements in staff and cadet welfare, the review of the academy’s Code of Conduct and efforts that supported the accreditation of postgraduate programmes.
Responding, Atayero thanked the Senate and members of staff for organising the valedictory session. He attributed the achievements recorded during his tenure to the support and cooperation of the academy community.
In his farewell message, the retiring commandant urged members of the Senate to extend the same cooperation to his successor and protect the unity of the institution. He also cautioned against allowing ethnic, religious or regional sentiments to create divisions, stressing the importance of discipline and accountability in public service.
