On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, all roads led to Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, as political scientists, scholars, researchers, policymakers and postgraduate students from across Nigeria converged on the nation’s premier university for the opening ceremony of the 35th Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA).
With the theme, “26 Years of Democracy in Nigeria: Reflections on Praxis and Challenges,” the conference provided a timely platform for scholars and policymakers to assess the gains, shortcomings and future prospects of Nigeria’s democratic journey since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
From the early hours of the morning on Wednesday, delegates streamed into the historic hall, exchanging greetings, renewing old acquaintances and engaging in animated discussions on the political and developmental issues confronting the nation. The atmosphere reflected both the prestige of the annual gathering and the urgency of the questions before it.
The opening ceremony at the iconic Trenchard Hall set the tone for what promises to be a significant intellectual engagement. Against a backdrop of growing concerns over democratic governance, insecurity, economic pressures and preparations for the 2027 general elections, the conference provided a timely platform for reflection on the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
Declaring the Conference open, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, lauded the association for the timely event. He reiterated the critical role Political Science plays in understanding and addressing the challenges confronting Nigeria and the wider African continent.
The President of NPSA, Professor Hassan Saliu, highlighted some of the challenges facing the country, especially issues of governance, electoral credibility, public accountability and national security.
In his address, the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, ably represented by the Secretary to the Government of Oyo State, Professor Musibau Adetunji Babatunde, also commended the NPSA for providing the platform for engagement of the issues facing the country, noting that the gathering was not not merely to analyse the nation’s challenges, but to explore solutions that could help strengthen democracy and governance in Africa’s most populous country.
Keynote papers were delivered by Professor Haruna Dlakwa, and Professor Ibaba Samuel, while a lead paper was presented by Professor Alade Fawole.
As proceedings commenced, discussions focused on the responsibilities of scholars in a rapidly changing political environment. Participants reflected on the role of evidence-based research in addressing governance challenges and promoting democratic accountability.
The event also featured a roundtable discussion on the 2027 General Elections, bringing together leading political scientists to examine the prospects and challenges ahead. Chaired by the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Professor Antonia Taiye Simbine, the session reflected the urgency of ongoing debates about electoral reforms, voter participation, institutional integrity and democratic consolidation.
Beyond the formal proceedings, the opening day offered opportunities for networking and collaboration among academics from diverse institutions and regions of the country. Conversations during the event revealed a shared concern about the future of democratic governance and the need for stronger institutions capable of responding to citizens’ expectations.
The significance of the conference extends beyond academia. At a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with questions of electoral credibility, security, economic development and institutional effectiveness, the insights generated by political scientists have become increasingly relevant to national discourse.
The opening ceremony therefore served as both a celebration of scholarship and a call to action. It highlighted the need for rigorous research, informed public debate and constructive engagement with the challenges facing the nation.
The high point of the event was the presentation of awards of Fellows and Honoured Members to deserving members of the association. Fellow of the NPSA was conferred on: Professors John Ayoade, Samuel Ibodje, Tunde Adeniran, Eme Ekekwe, Godwin Oga Ajene, Attahiru Jega, Jibrin Ibrahim, Haruna Dlakwa, Rufai Alkali, Sam Egwu, Godwin Onu, Emmanuel Ezeani, and Ms Julie Sanda.
Other dignitaries at the event include the Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission, Professor Tunji Olaopa, the Dean of the Faculty of the Social Sciences, Professor Ben Ehigie, Emeritus Professor Bayo Adekanye, Head of Department of Political Science, Professor Dhikru Adewale Yagboyaju, Professor Isaac Olawale Albert, and academic Staff of the Institution’s Department of Political Science.
The conference continues on Thursday with panel presentations of more than 200 papers covering a broad spectrum of issues, including democracy and governance, elections and electoral reforms, insecurity and national development, foreign policy, gender and sustainable development, public accountability and institutional reforms.
With scholars expected to present fresh perspectives on many of the issues shaping Nigeria’s political landscape, the discussions promise to enrich ongoing debates about the country’s democratic future and the prospects for sustainable national development.
