By Chiekezie Emmanuel and Alinta Joy

Establishing boundary studies in tertiary institutions has been advocated for to be a yardstick in achieving coherent and adequate peacebuilding measures in Nigeria.

The Director of Consultancy Services, ESUT, and 40th Inaugural Lecturer, Professor Okey Oji, stated this in an exclusive interview with ESUT Monitor in his residence on Monday, explained the reasons for the establishment of boundary studies.

He explained that an inaugural lecture showcases a professor. “When you say you are a professor, you have reached the zenith of your academic pursuit. However, you cannot just reach the zenith without making a mark. You bring the area you have reached for people to examine, and it is an academic exercise through which people know your field. As a professor, you have added value to your profession.

“My recommendation is that ESUT will establish Institute of Boundary Studies, where we have adequate manpower to make it flourish. We can now create opportunities for academics to research more on boundary issues and enlighten the general public on what is being talked about.

“I recommended for it to be established in secondary schools, primary school level, so that people can begin to appreciate their fellow human beings and neighbouring communities, so that people can have the opportunity to cooperate in various labours. It will help to achieve lasting Peace in Nigeria.

“Most of the communal clashes we witness every now then is as a result of boundary disputes and I strongly believe that establish the Instutte of Boundary Studies in Tertiary institutions will address this and ensure adequate peace in Nigeria”, he said

He suggested such institute should work in tandem with conveyors as it is an integrative process, so that there can be “cohesion between the nation’s space, and for us to have adequate building measures. There are people that we can use, non-state actors have a major role to play in economic, social space, political space. It can be CSOs, NGOs who are not state actors. They can be the conveyors, and most importantly, it can be traditionally institutions equally, either Muslim or Christian, youths, movement groups, concerned citizens to build a healthy nation,” Professor Oji emphasized.

“The conveyors can also be nationalists apart from the executives who can decide to make healthy laws that will govern the country and create opportunities for people to work across different unhealthy spaces and make sure you have peaceful coexistence within the country.”

He further said that, citing from his lecture titled “Politics of the Fence, Politics of the Bridge: A Desiderata for Effective Boundary Management in South East Nigeria.” “Looking at this topic, I want to believe that people will start investigating and researching what I mean by politics of fence, politics of bridge,” he said.

He positioned politics as a game with actors, in which one actor at all times comes out to outwit other actors. “Looking at Nigeria’s political culture, you observed the issue of primordial that affect the cultures and values of Nigerian politics. There is a need to appreciate the nature of our politics and also fill the gaps. When you have that bridge-building, what it means also is that there is a common resource that you are trying to find out, and it is the people.”

“If you don’t mix with your neighbours, for instance, you will not have adequate collaboration. When you are mixing up, you are doing cross-border cooperation, having a joint utilization of cross-border resources, so we can use it together and live in peace,” he advised.

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By connecting researchers, students, and industry partners, the directorate plays a crucial role in driving economic and social development not just within the institution but both in the state and nation at large

Professor Oji, who has built upon the foundation laid by his predecessors, has successfully implemented several initiatives to enhance the impact of ESUT Consult. One of the key strategies has been to forge strategic partnerships with various organizations, including Multimix Partnership and business schools.

These collaborations have opened up new opportunities for students and faculty to engage in real-world projects and research.

A Catalyst for University Growth

ESUT Consult has also been instrumental in elevating the university’s profile. By organizing events such as the upcoming 40th inaugural lecture, the directorate aims to showcase the institution’s academic excellence and intellectual contributions.

Furthermore, the establishment of the university cafeteria has provided a platform for students and staff to interact with the community and create a sense of belonging.

While ESUT Consult has made significant strides, it faces several challenges, including limited funding and inconsistent staff commitment. To address these issues, the Directorate is actively seeking alternative funding sources and implementing strategies to improve staff engagement, commitment and productivity

The 40th Inaugural Lecture: A Deep Dive into Boundary Management

Professor Oji:s upcoming inaugural lecture on November 28th will delve into the complex issue of boundary management in South East. Drawing on his extensive experience as a political scientist and public servant, he will share valuable insights and propose innovative solutions to address boundary-related challenges in the region

The choice of this topic is rooted in Professor Oji’s academic background and practical experience. Having served in various roles, including Head of Department of Political Science at ESUT and Director of Internal Boundaries of Nigeria, he possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies of boundary management.

By combining his academic knowledge with real-world experience, Professor Richard aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on boundary management and its implications for national security, economic development, and social cohesion.

The lecture is expected to attract a diverse audience, including academics, policymakers, and industry leaders. It promises to be a thought-provoking event that will spark discussions and inspire innovative solutions.

As ESUT Consult continues to evolve, it remains committed to its mission of bridging the gap between academia and industry. By fostering collaboration, promoting innovation, and empowering students and faculty, the organization is poised to make a lasting impact on the university and the broader community.

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