Ajayi made this call while delivering the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture at the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Kwara State.
Ajayi emphasised the need for a paradigm shift in recruitment and staffing within security agencies to ensure the best minds are enlisted.
Represented by the DSS Deputy Director, Patrick Ikenweiwe, the DG argued that recruiting top academic performers into the DSS should be a compulsory national policy, similar to Israel’s selective university admission system.
The DSS DG who stressed the need for a shift in public perception, noted that many Nigerians view security agencies as adversaries rather than allies.
He warned that such attitudes negatively impact intelligence gathering, peacebuilding, and national integration.
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Ajayi contended that intelligence work requires exceptional intellect to tackle sophisticated criminal networks.
Meanwhile, in a related development, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu received a delegation from the DSS, led by the Deputy Director-General, Afolashade Adekayaoja, at the State House, Abuja.
The visit underscored the administration’s commitment to empowering women in leadership roles within the security sector.
Tinubu applauded the DSS for appointing a woman to such a high-ranking position, stating, women who have proven themselves in their careers deserve recognition and leadership roles. She said it is a testament to her husband’s long-standing belief that women are highly responsible and committed.
She urged female leaders in the DSS to support one another and diligently execute their duties to inspire future generations.