By Chiekezie Emmanuel and Joy Alinta

In this exclusive interview, the 40^th Inaugural Lecturer, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, (ESUT), Prof Okechukwu Richard Oji shared his thoughts on how he planned the lecture, challenges as well as why he chose the topic of the day.

The 40^th ESUT Inaugural Lecture held at the newly built Barr Dr Peter Ndubuis Mbah 1000-capacity Multipurpose Auditorium drew crème dela crème in academics and polities in Enugu State together and signposted the need for effective boundary management in South East

Professor Oji spoke with our reporters, Chiekezie Emmanuel and Joy Alinta

Excerpts

The 40th Inaugural Lecture

As a professor, I had the opportunity to deliver my inaugural lecture, which showcased my knowledge and expertise in my field. The topic of my lecture was “Politics of the Bridge and Politics of the Fence: Desiderata for Effective Boundary Management in the South East Nigeria.”

I began by explaining the concept of politics, citing various definitions from renowned scholars. I emphasized that politics is a game of contending actors, where one actor attempts to outwit the other. In the context of Nigerian politics, I highlighted the importance of appreciating the country’s political culture and filling the gaps in understanding.

I also defined the concepts of “bridge” and “fence,” explaining that a bridge connects two separate entities, while a fence separates them. I emphasized the importance of building bridges to foster cooperation and understanding between different groups.

During the lecture, I recommended the establishment of an Institute of Boundary Studies, which would provide a platform for academics to research and enlighten the public on boundary issues. I suggested that the institute be established at ESUT, where there is adequate manpower to make it flourish.

The lecture was well-received, and I was pleased to see that the Governor was in attendance. I hope that my recommendations will be taken seriously and that the Institute of Boundary Studies will become a reality.

How did you deliver the lecture?

I began by explaining the concept of politics, citing various definitions from renowned scholars. I emphasized that politics is a game of contending actors, where one actor attempts to outwit the other. In the context of Nigerian politics, I highlighted the importance of appreciating the country’s political culture and filling the gaps in understanding.

I also defined the concepts of “bridge” and “fence,” explaining that a bridge connects two separate entities, while a fence separates them. I emphasized the importance of building bridges to foster cooperation and understanding between different groups.

Essence of Inaugural Lecture

I told you earlier in my opening statement that it is showcasing a professor. When you say you are a professor, you have reached the zenith of your academic pursuit. But you cannot just reach the zenith without making a mark. So, what it does is showcase the area you are in academics, and the value you, as a professor, have added to academics. It is an academic exercise through which you get to know the professor and his area of expertise, as well as the value of the professor in the academic environment.

challenges faced

There are so many challenges. One is the content of the lecture. In writing the paper, you have to make sure you appeal to those who will make it possible. There are areas they will disconnect because of communication; the only problem is not communicating to the academic world and university in what we are doing. It has to do with nerve, how are you going to deliver it, what is the style? These are the problems, and also look at the issue of security. Look at the people coming; will they come in peace and go safely? We added enough flesh, content to enrich that work.

Establishment of Institute Boundary Studies.

It is a recommendation. What I have done is a recommendation in revitalizing what I said. Luckily, the Governor was there, and they understood what I said. I want it to be established in ESUT, where we have manpower to make it flourish. We now create the opportunity for academics to research more on boundary issues, enlighten the entire public on what it is all about. I only recommended not just having it there, but it should be introduced in secondary school, primary school levels, so people can appreciate their fellow human beings, so that people can have the opportunity to cohabitate in their various levels. And if you look at that lecture, I suggested using conveyors to that integration. And for us to have adequate peace-building measures in Nigeria, there are people we can use, non-state actors within the economic, social space within the political space, who have a major role to play. Some of them are CSOs, NGOs, who are not state actors. Most importantly, there are traditional institutions, database organizations, youth movements, groups, they can be the consensus who have agreed to move the nation forward, who can decide to make a healthy environment and make sure people have a good value system.

Directorate of ESUT Consultancy Services

Consult is an acronym coming from consultancy services. The job of ESUT Consultancy Services is to have and create an integrative known through which ESUT can excel itself in the outside world, through which ESUT can also create opportunities for you to reach out in terms of generating funds or revenue in the university, in terms of creating partnerships and collaborations between the university and other organizations, not just police implementation but implementation, and also opportunities for trade and industry, and also in technology. In consultancy services, we do so many things. For instance, you might not know I am the Chairman for Engineering Excellency. I read political science; I am not an engineer. It means that there are some values I could add to the university