IPCR to partner agencies on conflict prevention – Bakut

By Ochiaka Ugwu

Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) is willing and ready to partner with agencies that are interested in peace promotion and conflict prevention in Nigeria, the Director General of the Institute, Prof. Bakut T. Bakut has said.
In a press statement released Tuesday by the Institute and signed by its Head of Media, Mr. Musa Mato, it explained that Prof. Bakut made this known on Monday when he received on official visit, delegation from Department of Political Science and International Relations of the University of Abuja in his office.
Bakut was quoted saying, “IPCR and University of Abuja have certain features in common, pointing out that IPCR conduct research on immediate and remote causes of conflict in Nigeria with a view to offering solutions or recommendations toward solving the problem, while the University of Abuja also conduct research on National and International Conflict”.
“Prof. Bakut explained that the two organizations would synergize, initiate institutional partnership in such a way that would promote peace in the Country”.
While observing on the need to convert some of the research materials conducted by the University of Abuja to policies, Bakut said that when the materials are transformed to policies, they would benefit not only the academician but the general public.
He said that University is not just to teach theoretical knowledge but should be able to produce materials that can be translated to policy recommendations. “This is the area we have to work together and build sustainable relationship” the statement read in part.
“We believe that the University is not only to bring out theoretical knowledge, but the knowledge has to be translated into policy in guiding the government.
“The Director General added that the two institutions would work out modalities and framework for the partnership
“Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Prof. James Nda Jacob, congratulated the Director General for his well-deserved appointment.
“He said the essence of their visit was to seek for possible collaboration in the area of research on peace promotion and conflict prevention. “There is no development in an atmosphere devoid of peace” the statement concluded.