The Department of Political Science held its two-day Maiden International Conference (Hybrid) at the University Auditorium, Thursday, July 24th to Friday, July 25th, 2025 with the theme: “Africa at a Crossroads: Confronting Governance, Security, and Development Challenges in the 21st Century.”
In her welcome address, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi, warmly welcomed the Chairman of the event, Justice Prof. Peter Umeadi, former Chief Judge of Anambra State; the Guest of Honour, Barr. Olugbenga Kukoyi, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, represented by Her Excellency, Dame Elizabeth Amina, and other distinguished guests and participants.
Prof. Arinze-Umobi described the conference theme as highly relevant to the continent’s ongoing development struggles. She expressed disappointment that decades after independence, many African nations remain entrenched in underdevelopment and burdened by persistent security crises. She emphasized that the core question lies in how to conscientize citizens to take charge of their destinies and hold governments accountable. According to her, that is the only viable path to Africa’s progress, an issue the conference seeks to address.
In his keynote address, Chief Barr. Olisa Metuh stressed that governance discourse often focuses on peripheral issues, neglecting the fundamentals. He expressed hope that the conference would move beyond rhetoric and spark a renewed commitment to building the Africa envisioned by its forebears. Speaking on the topic, “Institutionalizing Political Parties in Nigeria,” Barr. Metuh highlighted the critical role strong institutions play in ensuring good governance and overcoming development challenges. While various forms of government can deliver infrastructure, he noted that only democracy guarantees liberty, freedom, and the right to choose leaders.
Scholarly paper presentations were delivered by Dr. Ogban Ogban-Iyam, Director of the Centre for Popularization and Popular Control and Use of Knowledge, Skills, and Physical Resources, and Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu of the Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a former National Commissioner of INEC.
A major highlight of the event was the Roundtable Dialogue/Panel Discussion, followed by the presentation of awards to several distinguished personalities. Awardees included Barr. Olugbenga Kukoyi, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi, Chief Barr. Olisa Metuh, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye, Chief Dr. Christopher Ndubisi, Justice Prof. Peter Umeadi, and Mr. Obiefule Harrison Chinonso.
