Leading academics, administrators, and political scientists recently gathered at the Federal University Lokoja (Felele Campus) for the public presentation of a book examining Nigeria's foreign policy and its implications on national development. The event honored the renowned international relations scholar, Prof. Hassan Saliu.
Book Details and Editors
The 32-page book, titled The Administration of Nigeria's Foreign Policy and the Implications for National Development, was jointly edited by Profs Tunde Agara, Salisu Ogbo Usman, and Adebola Bakare. It was presented as a Festschrift in honor of Prof. Saliu, who currently serves as President of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA).
Event Attendance
The event, held at the university's Multipurpose Hall, attracted top academics including the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja and members of his management team, the Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University and his team, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ilorin, Prof. A.Y. Muhammed, and Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin, Prof. Ibrahim Jawondo. Dr. Abdulrasheed Alada Muhammad represented the NPSA National Executive Council, and several members of NPSA were also present. Former President of the Nigerian Political Science Association, Prof. Shuaib Ibrahim, served as Chairman of the occasion, while Alhaji M.M. Mustapha, a renowned politician from Ilorin, Kwara State, and the school's alumni were also represented.
Vice Chancellor's Remarks
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, appreciated the choice of venue, noting that the university is open for more collaborations on events that contribute to national development. He urged public-spirited individuals to invest in the university, pledging his support and highlighting opportunities provided by the solar farm that powers the university community.
Book Review
Reviewing the book, Prof. Rotimi Ajayi described the publication as a significant contribution to scholarship on Nigeria's foreign relations and governance, noting that the work provides valuable insight into the country's diplomatic engagements and developmental aspirations. Ajayi said the honor bestowed on Prof. Saliu was well deserved considering his longstanding contributions to teaching, research, and institutional development within Nigeria's academic community.
Documentary and Citation
One of the key moments at the event was the showing of a documentary video on the honoree, which traced his academic journey from Ahmadiyya Secondary School, Kano, to Federal Government College, Kano, before proceeding to Bayero University, Kano, where he emerged as the best graduating student of his set in 1987. The citation highlighted his pursuit of advanced studies at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and his eventual return to Bayero University for doctoral studies, where he earned a PhD with distinction.
Speakers' Praises
Speakers at the event praised Prof. Saliu's scholarly impact, noting that he has authored and edited over 600 academic works, including books, journal articles, and book chapters. They also commended his administrative roles at the University of Ilorin, where he served as Head of Department, Coordinator of Professional Programmes, and Dean of Faculty for two terms. According to the citation, Prof. Saliu's expertise has been sought by institutions such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Leadership Forum, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the National Assembly.
"Through dedication, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to knowledge, Professor Hassan Ajisafe Iyanda Saliu has carved a legacy that continues to inspire scholars, students, and policymakers alike," the citation read. It added that his rise in academia remains "a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring impact of intellectual excellence."
Editors' Remarks
Speaking on behalf of the editors, Prof. Tunde Agara expressed appreciation to guests and contributors for supporting the publication and celebrating the academic accomplishments of Prof. Saliu. He noted that the Festschrift was not only a recognition of Prof. Saliu's intellectual contributions but also an opportunity to deepen discussions around Nigeria's foreign policy direction and national development goals.
Goodwill Message
In his goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, appreciated the contributions of the honoree to the discipline of political science and implored others to emulate him in mentoring younger scholars. He argued that the greatest gift one can give humanity is to provide opportunities for others to succeed.
