FUDMA Holds International Conference on Regional Integration and Security Dynamics
The Maiden International Conference on ‘Regional Integration and Security Dynamics: Challenges and Strategic Future’, organised by the Department of Political Science, Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), opened on Thursday, bringing together distinguished academics, policymakers, researchers, and security experts from across the country.
The conference is part of the university’s commitment to advancing scholarly discourse and addressing pressing societal challenges.
The participants are expected deliberate on the complex interplay between regional cooperation and security imperatives in an increasingly volatile global landscape.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Chief Host and Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Mohammed Khalid Othman, represented by the Deputy ViceChancellor, Administration, Prof. Elizabeth Ihugh Yecho, underscored the critical importance of academic intellectualism and the integration of ideas from various fields of study.
He said, “the complexities of modern societal challenges demand interdisciplinary approaches and collaborative thinking”.
According to him, the conference theme is timely, given the current security challenges confronting the West African sub-region and the continent at large.
“The challenges we face today in terms of security and regional integration require us to think beyond traditional boundaries and conventional wisdom,” the Vice-Chancellor stated.
“It is through gatherings such as this that we can harness the collective intellectual prowess necessary to proffer sustainable solutions to our societal menaces.”
The Vice-Chancellor praised the Department of Political Science and the Local Organizing Committee for their tireless efforts toward achieving this historic milestone, saying that their efforts in organising the conference represent “a significant achievement not just for the department but for the entire university community.”
He expressed appreciation to Prof. Paul Izah of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria for honouring the University’s invitation and enriching the conference with his wealth of knowledge and experience.
Prof. Othman encouraged all participants to actively engage in the intellectual discourse, network with colleagues from various institutions and translate the insights gained into actionable strategies for addressing the challenges of regional integration and security in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.
In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr. AbdulSalam Ademola, appreciated the remarkable support, stewardship and leadership style of the Vice-Chancellor.
“We are indeed honoured to have with us Prof. M. K. Othman, a man whose leadership has consistently inspired excellence across all facets of this great institution,” Dr. Ademola declared. “His conspicuous support has been instrumental in making today’s International Conference a reality.”
In his remarks, the Head of Political Science Department, Dr. Tativ Bem Elijah, also expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for his unwavering support, not just for the International Conference, but for the overall betterment of the department.
“It is no exaggeration to state that the Department of Political Science has experienced an unprecedented growth and development under the supportive leadership of Prof. Othman,” Dr. Elijah remarked.
“His commitment to academic excellence and staff development has created an enabling environment for us to successfully organize this international gathering”, he added.
The Keynote Speaker, Professor Paul Izah, set the intellectual tone for the deliberations that followed the opening ceremony as the conference proceeds into technical sessions, breakout discussions, and paper presentations.
The participants are expected to engage in robust intellectual exchanges that will culminate in actionable recommendations for policymakers, security agencies and regional bodies.
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