The University of Ibadan (UI) will convene a high-level diplomatic forum on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, aimed at addressing the complex and evolving challenges within Nigeria’s security framework.
Designed as a platform for rigorous intellectual engagement, the discourse underscores the growing consensus that national security concerns extend beyond purely military responses, requiring multidimensional and forward-thinking solutions.
The event, themed “Security in Nigeria: Where We Are Coming From, Where We Are, Where We Want to Be,” seeks to generate strategic insights into the country’s most urgent security issues.
This edition follows the success of the forum’s February session, which examined the critical relationship between artificial intelligence and Nigeria’s 2027 electoral process.
Building on that momentum, organisers have assembled a distinguished panel of experts to offer a comprehensive and interdisciplinary roadmap toward sustainable peace and stability.
Leading the conversation is Isaac Olawale Albert, a globally respected scholar in African History, Peace, and Conflict Studies. As the Pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies at UI and a former delegate to Nigeria’s 2014 National Conference, Professor Albert brings extensive experience in conflict analysis, mediation, and early warning systems. With additional training from the United Nations International Leadership Academy, his presentation is expected to provide a thorough historical assessment of Nigeria’s security trajectory alongside forward-looking strategies for emerging threats.
The session will be moderated by Olanrewaju Olaniyan, Vice-Chancellor of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo. A specialist in population economics, Professor Olaniyan is expected to interrogate the intersections between demographic trends, economic performance, and national security outcomes, offering a data-driven perspective on policy and planning.
Adding a cultural and linguistic dimension to the discourse is Professor Nelson Olabanji Fashina of the Department of English, UI. A Fulbright Scholar and traditional High Chief, Professor Fashina will explore how cultural narratives, language, and identity shape social cohesion and influence conflict dynamics, bringing a nuanced socio-cultural perspective to the discussion.
In a bid to balance theory with practice, the dialogue will also feature insights from a field-based security professional, providing real-time perspectives on operational challenges and the realities of safeguarding national integrity.
At a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s development, the forum aims to confront a fundamental national question: how can the country transition toward a more secure and stable future? By interrogating historical patterns and present vulnerabilities, the University of Ibadan continues to strengthen its “Town and Gown” tradition, aligning academic scholarship with practical solutions for national development.
