Olu Samuel, Lokoja

The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman has been honoured with yet another Merit Award by the North Central Zone Chapter of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA).

Dr Usman was honoured along with 5 other eminent personalities at the 4th Annual National Conference of the Association held at the College of Health Sciences, Federal University, Lokoja, on Tuesday, 1st August, 2023.

The award was presented to Dr. Usman in recognition of his outstanding leadership, commitment and contribution to the development of the discipline of Political Science.

The conference themed: Elections, Security and Nation Building in Nigeria: Looking Ahead, had Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Lokoja as Lead Paper presenter.

Professor Akinwumi interrogated the unholy trinity of Election, Security and challenges of Nation Building and recommended the need for governments at all level, particularly the central government to look inward by making adequate use of academic researches available at various institutions of higher learning.

The Keynote Speaker, Prof. Linda Kwon–Ndung whose address was presented by Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman, stressed that as the academia reflect on the theme of the Conference, the inherent issues involved in elections, security and nation building should be considered as collective responsibility, and urged conferees to communicate knowledge that can propel an all–inclusive democracy through credible elections.

He noted that Nation-building is a process which leads to the formation of countries in which citizens feel a sufficient level of commonality of interest, goals and preferences.

Other Award recipients at the 4th NPSA Conference are Prof. Hassan A. Saliu, NPSA National President; Prof. Shuaibu Ahmed Ibrahim, former National President of NPSA; Prof. Samuel Egwu, Resident Electoral Commissioner, Benue State.
Others are Prof. Mathew Ola–Rotimi Ajayi, Professor of Political Science, Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, Vice Chancellor, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.

Dr. Usman Ogbo described himself as a toddler amongst other recipients of the award whom he aptly described as his teachers, PhD supervisors, Vice Chancellor and Mentors. He added that he was humbled by the award and shall continue to remain upright in all ramifications.

Professor Samuel Egwu who spoke on behalf of the award recipients appreciated the leadership of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA) North Central Zone led by Dr. John Tor Tsuwa for finding them worthy of the Merit recognitions, whilst reiterating that the award would in no small measure spur them to continue to support the growth and development of the Association.

The conference, which is targeted at ensuring the comprehensive use of research and results for securing Nation Building will also provide a forum for exchanging new research findings and ideas amongst political scientists.

Highlights of the programme include paper presentation, round table discussions on the theme of the conference and election of new executive to pilot the affairs of NPSA North- Central Zone, amongst others.

The Conference is scheduled to end on Thursday 3rd August, 2023.