By Waziri Isa Gwantu
The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, FUDMA, Prof. Mohammed Khalid Othman, has challenged academics and security experts to translate intellectual discourse into actionable strategies for addressing regional integration and security challenges in Nigeria and Africa.
Prof. Othman gave the charge on Thursday, July 29, 2026, while declaring open the Maiden International Conference of the Department of Political Science held at the Professor Lawal Abdu Saulawa Auditorium, Take-off Campus. The conference was themed “Regional Integration and Security Dynamics: Challenges and Strategic Future.”
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Elizabeth Ihuqh Yeho, the Vice-Chancellor said the current security challenges confronting the West African sub-region and the continent demand interdisciplinary approaches and collaborative thinking.
“The challenges we face today in terms of security and regional integration require us to think beyond traditional boundaries and conventional wisdom,” the VC stated. “It is through gatherings such as this that we can harness the collective intellectual prowess necessary to proffer sustainable solutions to our societal menaces.”
He described the conference as “a significant achievement not just for the department but for the entire university community,” and commended the Department of Political Science and the Local Organizing Committee for their tireless efforts.
Prof. Othman also appreciated Prof. Paul Izah of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, for honouring the University’s invitation and enriching the conference with his wealth of knowledge. He urged participants “to actively engage in the intellectual discourse, network with colleagues from various institutions and translate the insights gained into actionable strategies for addressing the challenges of regional integration and security in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.”
The Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr. AbdulSalam Ademola, in his address, described Prof. Othman as “a leader of uncommon qualities”, “a don-cum-administrator, an erudite scholar of international repute and an epitome of humility.” He noted the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to staff and students’ welfare, his simplicity, kindness, efficiency and unwavering dedication to equity and fairness in all university matters.
“We are indeed honoured to have with us Prof. M. K. Othman, a man whose leadership has consistently inspired excellence across all facets of this great institution,” Dr. Ademola said. “His conspicuous support has been instrumental in making today’s International Conference a reality.”
The Head of Department of Political Science, Dr. Tativ Bem Elijah, also expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for his unwavering support, not just for the International Conference, but for the overall betterment of the department.
“It is no exaggeration to state that the Department of Political Science has experienced an unprecedented growth and development under the supportive leadership of Prof. Othman,” Dr. Elijah remarked. “His commitment to academic excellence and staff development has created an enabling environment for us to successfully organize this international gathering.”
Keynote Speaker, Prof. Paul Izah of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, set the intellectual tone for the deliberations that followed.
The conference brought together distinguished academics, policymakers, researchers, and security experts from across the country to deliberate on the complex interplay between regional cooperation and security imperatives in an increasingly volatile global landscape. The event not only showcases the University’s capacity to host world-class academic gatherings, but reinforces its commitment to contributing meaningfully to the resolution of pressing societal challenges.
As the conference proceeds with its technical sessions, breakout discussions, and paper presentations, participants are expected to engage in robust intellectual exchanges that will culminate in actionable recommendations for policymakers, security agencies and regional bodies.
The successful hosting of this international conference signals FUDMA’s emergence as a significant player in the global academic community, particularly in the fields of political science, security studies and regional integration. With the unwavering support of the Vice-Chancellor and the University’s Governing Council, the Department of Political Science is poised to consolidate on this achievement and continue its trajectory of excellence in teaching, research and community engagement.