By Abubakar Yunus, Abuja
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Prof. M.K. Othman, has raised concerns over the growing wave of terrorism, military coups and other security threats confronting West Africa, warning that they are testing the stability and resilience of the sub-region.
Othman stated this while delivering his opening remarks at the university’s maiden International Conference on Political Science with the theme, “Regional Integration and Security Dynamics in West Africa: Prospects and Strategic Future.”
The conference brought together academics, policymakers, researchers and security experts from Nigeria and other West African countries to examine the relationship between regional integration and emerging security challenges.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, West Africa is facing an unprecedented mix of security threats capable of undermining peace, democratic governance and sustainable development.
He said, “The region continues to face unprecedented security threats, including terrorism, violent extremism, insurgency, transnational organised crime, piracy, cybercrime, arms trafficking, climate-induced conflicts, unconstitutional changes of government, electoral violence and worsening humanitarian crises.”
He added that the growing threats had not only endangered national stability but had also placed enormous pressure on regional institutions established to promote peace, security and democratic governance.
Despite the challenges, Othman said West Africa still possesses enormous economic and human potential.
He noted that the sub-region’s youthful population, abundant natural resources, expanding markets, cultural diversity and technological innovation positioned it to become a major driver of Africa’s economic transformation.
The Vice-Chancellor, however, stressed that such opportunities could only be realised under conditions of peace, political stability, effective governance and collective security.
He said, “Regional integration has therefore become more than an economic aspiration; it is now a strategic necessity.”
Othman acknowledged the contributions of the Economic Community of West African States in promoting economic cooperation, conflict prevention, peacekeeping and regional diplomacy.
He, however, maintained that emerging realities require stronger institutions, innovative policy responses and deeper collaboration among governments, universities, civil society organisations and development partners.
Speaking on the role of higher institutions, Othman said universities must go beyond teaching and research to provide practical solutions to societal challenges.
He said, “Universities are not merely centres for teaching and research; they are incubators of ideas, laboratories for innovation and platforms for evidence-based policymaking.”
According to him, academic research should continuously inform public policy and strengthen regional cooperation across West Africa.
The Vice-Chancellor also urged participants at the conference to move beyond identifying problems and focus on developing practical recommendations capable of strengthening regional institutions and improving governance.
He called for greater attention to emerging issues such as digital governance, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, climate security, migration, youth unemployment, gender inclusion in peacebuilding, border governance and food security.
“The outcomes of this conference should not remain within the pages of conference proceedings alone. Rather, they should inform public policy, strengthen regional cooperation, enrich academic discourse and contribute meaningfully to decision-making at national, regional and continental levels,” he said.
Othman reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma to advancing research, innovation, international collaboration and community engagement.
He expressed optimism that the conference would generate fresh ideas and practical policy recommendations capable of strengthening regional integration, improving security governance and promoting lasting peace and prosperity across West Africa.
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