A renowned peace and security scholar, Professor Isaac Olawale Albert, has called for a transformative approach to peace and security education in Africa through the Quadruple Helix Model (QHM) of innovation. He made this assertion during the third edition of the Annual Departmental Lecture of the Department of Political Science and International Relations, KolaDaisi University, Ibadan.
Delivering a compelling lecture titled “Strengthening Peace and Security Studies in Africa through the Quadruple Helix Innovation Modelling”, Prof. Albert of the Department of Peace, Security and Humanitarian Studies, University of Ibadan, identified Africa’s current security crisis as one deeply rooted in fragmented and externally driven solutions. According to him, these challenges are often left for non-Africans to manage, resulting in responses that fail to address the continent’s peculiar contexts and sometimes worsen the situation.
He posited that academia can play a pivotal role in reversing this trajectory by actively embracing the QHM, which encourages structured collaboration between four key stakeholders – academia, government, industry, and civil society. “For now, the four stakeholders work in silos and hardly communicate organically,” he lamented. “Those teaching security studies are distant from security agencies and governments and hardly have working relationships with civil society organisations doing early warning and early response (EWER) work.”
Prof. Albert emphasised that without these collaborative networks, much of what is taught in African universities remains abstract and disconnected from the continent’s real security needs. He criticised the current academic culture of publishing primarily for career advancement rather than societal relevance. He pointed out that African political leaders rarely access or understand these academic publications, further widening the gap between research and policymaking.
To bridge this gap, the professor proposed two pathways. First, that academic institutions engage more directly with the other three helices/stakeholders to improve the quality and applicability of their teaching and research. Second, that governments, industries, and civil society actors collaborate with scholars to enhance the effectiveness of security interventions. He suggested the creation of fusion centres – collaborative hubs where security agencies, scholars, and community stakeholders can co-create context-specific solutions. He cited Nigeria’s recent efforts in building Research and Development units within security organisations as a step in the right direction.
Prof. Albert painted a sobering picture of Africa as a continent operating within a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) environment. “There is no environment for peace in Africa,” he stated. “We lack collaborative problem solving and commitment to a knowledge economy.” He observed that in such a turbulent context, decision-making becomes almost impossible without innovation and cooperation.
Touching specifically on Nigeria, he decried the failure of successive governments to implement policy recommendations from think tanks and research institutions. “Nigeria is not a knowledge economy,” he declared. “Despite numerous commissioned reports and expert recommendations, nothing has changed because nobody reads them. Worse still, there is no political will to implement the solutions.”
In conclusion, Professor Albert called on academics to reposition themselves as solution providers rather than distant observers. He noted that meaningful progress in peace and security on the continent would remain elusive unless African political elites demonstrate genuine commitment to making their countries work.
The lecture, which drew academics, students, policymakers, and civil society actors from across the country and left the audience (including online participants) with a clear message: African security challenges require African-driven, collaborative, and knowledge-based solutions.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Acting Head of Department, Dr. Adebukola Ayoola, reiterated the importance of the annual guest lectures as it provides the platform to address issues of national and international interests. She lauded the guest lecturer for his commitment and support to the department and the country at large.
Acting Head of Department, Dr. Adebukola Ayoola
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Adeniyi Olatunbosun (SAN), who was represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Management, and Social Science, Prof Jendele Hungbo, commended the department for coming up with the lecture which is timely. He stated that KolaDaisi University is committed to nurturing dialogue and innovation that can shape the continent’s future.
Also in attendance at the colourful event include Ambassador and former Nigeria High Commissioner to Ghana, Prof. Tunji Kolapo, Pioneer Head of Department of Political Science, Lagos State University, Prof. Abdur-Rahman Olalekan Olayiwola, former President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, Prof. Duro Oni, Acting Director of the TETFUND Centre of Excellence in Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Ibadan, Dr. Benjamin A. Aluko, Deans, Directors and Heads of Department, KolaDaisi University, lecturers and students of the Department and the Institution and several distinguished personalities.
