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

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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 Ikechukwu Odu

Enugu – A professor of Political Science at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Okechukwu, Richard Oji, Thursday, stated that arbitrary boundary demarcations during the colonial era led to the separation of many Igbo communities across different states and called for establishment of an Institute for Boundary Studies in ESUT

Prof. Oji said that some states such as Kogi, Benue, Delta, Edo, Rivers and Cross River, which are outside the core states in South East Nigeria, contain significant population of Igbo, who despite sharing ethnic and cultural identities are politically and administratively separated.

He made the remarks while delivering the 40th inaugural lecture of ESUT on the topic: ‘Politics of the Fence and Politics of the Bridge: Desiderata for Effective Boundary Management in Nigeria,’ at the permanent site of the University in Agbani, Enugu State.

He further said that the divisions have weakened the political strength of the Igbo even as those cut out from their Igbo relatives continue to suffer political and other forms of marginalization at their place of abode, adding that the separation had further contributed to disunity within the South East region.

“The Igbo people, historically one of Nigeria’s most cohesive ethnic groups, now face internal divisions driven by boundary disputes and political competition. As a result, boundary disputes in the South East not only destabilize the region but also disintegrate the unity of Igbo nation across Nigeria,” he stated.

While emphasizing the need for peace building efforts in boundary disputes, he lauded the contributions of traditional institutions, faith-based organisations, youth and women groups , civil society organizations among others in peace building processes.

He equally urged individuals and groups to be bridge builders in order to entrench peace in their communities.

He charged governments at all levels to create an environment which enables sustainable development, justice and peace, and to also fund government agencies responsible for effective management of boundaries such as the National Boundary Committee, NBC and the State Boundary Committees.

Prof Oji also made a case for the establishment of an Institute for Boundary Studies in ESUT even as he stressed the need for building bridges of tolerance, cooperation, co-existence and confidence among communities and groups in the South Eastern States.

While making his remarks, the Enugu State Governor, Barr Peter Mbah, represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Water Resources Dr. Felix Nnamani stated that the topic of the inaugural lecture was in tandem with Enugu State Government’s Experiential learning trajectory, urging scholars to use their knowledge to address societal problems.

Governor Mbah also called for adequate collaboration between the town and gown to foster sustainable socio-economic and technological development of the state.

While describing the lecture as timely, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, emphasized the need to address incessant boundary disputes which have resulted to loss of lives and properties in South East.

He noted that ESUT has commenced the Distinguished Personalities Lecture Series to engineer effective collaboration with the University community and the industries for sustainable development.

Also, in his remarks, the Chairman of the ESUT Inaugural Lectures Committee, Prof. Milletus Ezeamaenyi, commended the University Management for improving the visibility of the institution through constant organisation of inaugural lectures and stimulation of research and innovation in the University.

While giving the vote-of-thanks, a professor of Neurosurgery, Chika Ndubuisi, who is billed to deliver the next ESUT inaugural lecture on December 12, 2024, called for the commercialisation of research endeavours in the University for societal benefits.

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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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Enugu – His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Barr Dr Peter Ndubisi Mbah will on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 deliver ESUT’s inaugural Distinguished Personality Lecture.

The Lecture will hold at the newly built Barr Peter Ndubisi Mbah Multi-purpose Auditorium at ESUT’s main campus, Agbani starting from 11am.

The Distinguished Personality Lecture, the maiden edition, was designed by the ESUT Consultancy Services with the aim of bringing specialists from diverse sectors to share their experience and help reposition humanity

Speaking on the essence of the Distinguished Personality Lecture, and the choice of His Excellency to take-off the first edition, the Director, ESUT Consultancy Services, Prof Okey Oji, told ESUT Monitor that the lecture is unique because it brings people from diverse human endeavors to chart a new path towards respositioning the society.

“The idea behind the Distinguished Personality Lecture, just as the name indicates, is to bring someone who’s successful in his/her career to come and share the knowledge with not just the university community but also the lager society because the lecture is open for everybody. The person will come and share with us his thoughts on that lecture and it will agitate the minds of people to the topic. This one that will be done by His Excellency is equally for us to share in his vision and mission in Enugu State and also his business.

“We chose him because he is the Visitor to the University. Secondly, he is a very successful business man. So he is eminently positioned to deliver the maiden edition of the Distinguished Personality Lecture. Mind you, the lecture is a bi-annual programme and we are hoping to have the next edition by March next year”, he said.

The Distinguished Personality Lecture is part of events lined up by the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, to mark her 20th Convocation Ceremony scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 at the ESUT Pavilion Ebe Anọ City, Agbani.

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