UI to host high-level diplomatic talk on national security in Ibadan
…as experts set to converge on the way out From Segun Showunmi, Ibadan The University of Ibadan (UI) is set to host a high-level diplomatic discourse on challenges confronting Nigeria’s
...as experts set to converge on the way out
From Segun Showunmi, Ibadan
The University of Ibadan (UI) is set to host a high-level diplomatic discourse on challenges confronting Nigeria's security architecture on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Recognizing that security is a multifaceted challenge that requires more than just kinetic solutions, the event is designed to provide intellectual frameworks for Nigeria's most pressing challenges.
The discourse, titled “Security in Nigeria: Where we are coming from, Where we are, Where we want to be,” follows the high-impact February edition of the event, which explored the intersection of “Artificial Intelligence and the 2027 Elections”.
A statement by the event organizers noted that a panel of distinguished experts has been assembled to chart a definitive path toward national stability through a multidisciplinary lens.
According to them, a world-renowned authority in African History, Peace, and Conflict Studies, Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert will lead the discourse.
"As the Pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies at UI and a former federal delegate to Nigeria’s 2014 National Conference, Professor Albert brings decades of experience in conflict analysis and early warning systems.
"Having honed his expertise at the United Nations International Leadership Academy, his presentation is expected to provide a meticulous historical autopsy of Nigeria’s security evolution, along with strategic foresight into emerging threats.
"The panel will be moderated by Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan, the current Vice-Chancellor of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo. An expert in Population Economics, Professor Olaniyan brings a unique analytical lens to the table, exploring how demographic dividends and age structure dynamics intersect with national security and economic stability.
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"Adding a critical layer of semiotic analysis is Professor Nelson Olabanji Fashina of the Department of English, UI. A Fulbright Scholar and traditional High Chief, Prof. Fashina is expected to delve into the cultural narratives and sociolinguistic nuances that influence national identity and social cohesion, as well as the socio-political narratives driving conflict. His reputation for principled engagement adds a grassroots perspective to the panel’s academic rigour.
"Crucially, the dialogue will also be enriched by a professional on-site perspective, offering an on-the-ground assessment of the current security landscape. This contribution aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and the operational realities of maintaining internal security and territorial integrity.
"As the nation stands at a crossroads, this panel seeks to answer the most pressing question on the minds of the citizenry: How do we get to the Nigeria we want to be? By reflecting on the nation's security history and assessing current vulnerabilities, the University of Ibadan continues its tradition of the "Town and Gown" synergy, ensuring that academic excellence serves the public good.
