Nigerian academics have called for constitutional reforms, youth empowerment, and stronger institutions to address the country's persistent political and security challenges, following a symposium at Edo State University.
Symposium on Nigeria's Security Crisis
The Faculty of Arts and Communication at Edo State University, Iyamho, held its maiden roundtable symposium on Thursday, themed “Nigeria’s Political and Security Crisis: Historical Origins, Diagnosis and Way Forward.” The forum brought together academics, researchers, policymakers, media practitioners, security experts, and students to examine terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts, separatist agitations, and electoral violence, according to a communiqué issued at the end of the symposium.
“The forum provided a platform for rigorous intellectual engagement on the various manifestations of insecurity in Nigeria,” the communiqué read.
Participants and Presentations
The symposium featured presentations and interventions from scholars within the faculty, including Acting Dean Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter E. Egielewa, Prof. Godwin Vaaseh, Prof. Solomon Awuzie, Dr. Blessed Ngonso, Dr. Abiodun Faleye, Dr. Wilfred Olley, Dr. Charles Iyoha, and Dr. Johnkennedy Chukwu. Participants comprised academic and non-academic staff, students of the faculty, members of other faculties within the university, and virtual participants from within and outside Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Acting Dean thanked Vice-Chancellor Prof. Victor Olawale Adetimirin for his approval and support of the symposium. Egielewa noted that the symposium was organised shortly after the faculty’s first international hybrid conference, held in May 2026, which attracted scholars and researchers from Nigeria and several other countries. He said, “scholarship must transcend the pursuit of academic promotion and contribute meaningfully to addressing societal problems.” According to Egielewa, the choice of security as the theme of the maiden symposium was informed by its significance as one of the most pressing challenges confronting Nigeria today.
Key Observations and Resolutions
Following deliberations, participants observed that Nigeria’s political and security crises are “deeply rooted in historical, political, economic, and institutional factors that have evolved over several decades.” They noted that “military responses alone cannot adequately address the complex and multidimensional nature of Nigeria’s security challenges.” The symposium also observed that “persistent poverty, unemployment, inequality, corruption, and governance deficits have created fertile grounds for insecurity, social unrest, and criminal activities.” Participants noted that while social media has expanded democratic participation, it has also “facilitated the spread of misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and divisive narratives.”
The symposium resolved that governments at all levels should “promote accountable leadership, transparency, and effective service delivery as essential foundations for national development and security.” It called for deliberate efforts to “reduce poverty, create employment opportunities, and empower young people through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and innovation-driven programmes.” On security institutions, the symposium recommended strengthening them through “improved intelligence gathering, enhanced training, adequate funding, technological modernisation, and stronger inter-agency collaboration.” The communiqué also called for “constitutional and institutional reforms that reflect the aspirations of its citizens and promote inclusiveness, equity, justice, and national cohesion.”
The symposium resolved that “young people should be meaningfully included in governance, policymaking, leadership, and development initiatives at all levels.” It urged citizens to exercise responsibility in the use of social media by “verifying information before dissemination and avoiding content capable of inciting violence, hatred, or social division.” Media organisations were urged to “uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethical journalism, fact-checking, and responsible reporting in the public interest.” The faculty reaffirmed its commitment to “providing intellectual leadership and fostering constructive dialogue on issues of national importance.”
