‘Like Israeli’s System!’ DSS Wants Mandatory Recruitment of First-Class Graduates

OwelekeTV — The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, has advocated for a policy that mandates the recruitment of first-class graduates into the intelligence agency to enhance national security.

Speaking at the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture at the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Ajayi emphasized the need to restructure recruitment strategies within security agencies to ensure only top-tier intellects are enlisted.

Represented by DSS Deputy Director, Mr. Patrick Ikenweiwe, the DG proposed that Nigeria adopt a model similar to Israel’s system, where high-achieving students are automatically drafted into essential national services.

“In Israel, students take an exam for university admission, and those scoring above 70 marks are automatically admitted. If I had my way, we would enforce a similar system where universities provide details of their best-performing students, ensuring they serve this great nation,”

Ikenweiwe said.

He further stressed that intelligence work requires exceptional analytical skills to counter sophisticated criminal networks.

“Tell me, how can a ‘Dundee’ (dullard) handle security challenges when criminal gangs are made up of first-class minds? Tracking and countering crime takes intellect,”

he added.

Ikenweiwe also highlighted the challenges posed by public perception, noting that many Nigerians see security agencies as adversaries rather than allies, which negatively affects intelligence gathering and national security efforts.

DSS and Nigeria’s Evolving Security Landscape

While addressing the nation’s security landscape, Ikenweiwe outlined the evolution of threats, stating that traditional risks like espionage, sabotage, and subversion have expanded to include terrorism, insurgency, separatist movements, cybercrime, and economic sabotage.

He explained that the DSS’s legal framework, including the NSA Act CAP N74 LFN, 2024, and SSS Instrument No. 1 of 1999, empowers the agency to detect and prevent threats to Nigeria’s internal security.

“The DSS is mandated to safeguard national security, prevent espionage, subversion, sabotage, terrorism, separatist agitation, and economic crimes with national security implications,”

he said.

He added that the agency provides intelligence to the government on security matters and is authorized to carry out additional responsibilities as directed by the President and Commander-in-Chief.

Oluremi Tinubu Hosts DSS Delegation

In a related development, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu received a high-ranking DSS delegation, led by Deputy Director-General Mrs. Afolashade Adekayaoja, at the State House, Abuja.

The visit underscored the administration’s commitment to gender inclusivity in leadership roles within the security sector.

Commending the DSS for promoting women into key positions, Tinubu said, “Women who have proven themselves in their careers deserve recognition and leadership roles. This aligns with my husband’s belief that women are highly responsible and committed.”

She urged female DSS officers to support one another and execute their duties diligently to inspire future generations.

Adekayaoja expressed gratitude for the administration’s efforts in promoting gender balance and reaffirmed the DSS’s dedication to national security.

With discussions on compulsory recruitment of first-class graduates into intelligence services gaining momentum, the DSS aims to enhance operational effectiveness in tackling emerging security threats while reinforcing national peace and stability.