The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has pledged to revitalise the long-standing institutional relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja), with renewed support aimed at strengthening learning, research, and student development.

CGC Adeniyi made the commitment at the Customs Headquarters, Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, while receiving the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, who led a delegation of principal officers on a courtesy visit.
Speaking during the engagement, Adeniyi recalled his long-standing ties with the institution, noting that efforts to formalise a structured partnership between both institutions date back several years.

“I have a long institutional history with this university. During my tenure as Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, we made serious efforts to formalise a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding. We went very far in the process and were close to signing, but leadership changes on both sides affected the process,” he said.
He added that despite the setback, the Nigeria Customs Service had continued to support the university through targeted interventions over time.

“At different times, we supported the university with transportation facilities, including the provision of a 32-seater bus. We also established a fully equipped computer centre with close to one hundred workstations. These were deliberate efforts aimed at building lasting institutional partnerships,” he noted.

Adeniyi assured the visiting delegation that the Service would carefully assess new areas of collaboration presented during the visit, particularly initiatives capable of delivering measurable impact.
“For us, beyond legacy, what matters most is impact.

We understand the realities facing Nigerian universities, from transportation challenges to infrastructure gaps. Our interest is to support initiatives that will create a conducive learning environment and positively impact students,” he stated.

He further indicated that the Service was open to a phased implementation approach where necessary, to ensure priority projects receive immediate attention.

“If there are multiple projects and we are unable to execute everything at once, we can adopt a phased approach and focus on priority areas that will make the greatest difference,” he said.

The Customs boss also emphasised the importance of strengthening institutions located in the Federal Capital Territory, noting that they should reflect the status of the nation’s capital.

“It is important for us to have a university in Abuja that truly reflects the status of Nigeria’s capital. I am willing to work with you in that regard,” he added.

Earlier, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi commended the leadership of the Comptroller-General and the Nigeria Customs Service for what he described as significant contributions to national development and ongoing economic reforms.

“We have come with the highest level of leadership of the university to congratulate you and appreciate the tremendous work being done by the Nigeria Customs Service under your leadership,” he said.

Fawehinmi explained that the visit was also aimed at deepening institutional collaboration, noting that the university, with a student population of nearly 40,000, continues to face growing infrastructural and operational demands.

“As the only conventional public university in the Federal Capital Territory, we face enormous responsibilities. Support in areas such as mass transit buses, ICT infrastructure, research facilities, and professional collaboration will significantly strengthen our capacity,” he stated.

He further highlighted the university’s Centre for Defence and Migration Studies as a key area for potential collaboration, particularly in border management, migration studies, executive training, and national security research.

“We are ready to partner with the Nigeria Customs Service. The real beneficiaries of such collaboration will be young Nigerians who represent the future leadership of this country,” he added.