The Nigerian Political Scientists Association (NPSA) has stated the critical need for immediate action to address Nigeria’s high national unity and bond levels. The organisation lamented the country’s pervasive Insecurity and exorbitant cost of living. As a result, political scientists will convene at a conference in Lokoja, Kogi State, to address and offer solutions to Nigeria’s multifaceted issues. Prof. Hassan Saliu, president of NPSA, shared this information in a press release to the media in Ilorin, Kwara State.
At the moment, Nigeria is encountering difficulties on multiple fronts. The high Cost Of Living is causing widespread hardship, while the Security situation is causing anxiety among the population. National unity and cohesion are also unstable. Similarly, Nigeria’s influence in international relations seems to be decreasing, reflecting the challenges the country is grappling with. The association of intellectuals is increasingly concerned about the government’s efforts to address the growing list of issues in the nation. They are anxious about the current state of affairs and the direction in which the country is heading.
NPSA is set to promote development by advocating for democracy.
Also, the NPSA is gearing up to address Nigeria’s current challenges by utilising its motto of advocating for democracy to promote development. The upcoming conference will focus on ‘Governance and Nation-Building in Nigeria: Exploring Policy Choices.’ The organisation chose this theme because it is convinced that Nigeria’s main issues are caused by poor governance, and the challenges of building a nation stem from the governance structure itself. The 34th Association Conference will take place at the Federal University in Lokoja on April 29th and 30th, 2024 and is centred around exploring two key issues. The conference’s main goal is to generate recommendations to support policymakers in tackling challenges.
Various sub-themes have been selected to steer participants towards achieving the conference’s objectives. The event will be chaired by Hon Tajudeen Abass, the speaker of the House of Representatives, with Vice President Kashim Shettima serving as the esteemed special guest of honour. The upcoming conference will feature Dr. Kayode Fayemi, a former governor of Ekiti State, as the keynote speaker and Prof. Victor Adetula as the lead paper presenter. At the conference, the organisation announced that it would honour notable individuals, such as Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, who previously served as chief of staff to former President Muhammadu Buhari, with the title of Fellow of NPSA.
Insights on governance and other key areas are discussed.
In context, NPSA serves as a hub for political scientists and academics in Nigeria to come together, share ideas, and collaborate on research projects. By facilitating knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities, the association helps advance the country’s field of political science. Its advocacy efforts also raise awareness about political issues, advocate for Good Governance practices, and promote democratic values. Engaging with policymakers, Civil Society organisations, and the public plays a crucial role in shaping the political landscape in Nigeria and contributing to informed decision-making processes.
It plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse on political issues, providing expert analysis and insights on governance, public policy, elections, and other key areas of political practice. The association also works to strengthen the capacity of political scientists through training programs, conferences, and workshops, helping to build a more informed and skilled community of professionals in the field. By engaging with policymakers, civil society organisations, and the general public, It strives to promote good governance, democracy, and political stability in Nigeria.
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Moreover, the association serves as a platform for political scientists to engage in research collaborations, publish scholarly articles, and contribute to the body of knowledge in political science. The association also advocates for the importance of political science Education in schools and universities, promoting the study of Politics and governance as a critical component of Nigeria’s educational system. Through its activities and initiatives, it plays a vital role in advancing the study and practice of political science in Nigeria, contributing to informed decision-making and effective governance.