The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) became the focal point of Nigerian intellectual discourse on Wednesday as leading academics, political scientists, and administrators gathered for the public presentation of a Festschrift in honour of the renowned international relations scholar and President of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA), Prof. Hassan A. Saliu.
The 32-chapter book, titled “The Administration of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and the Implications for National Development was edited by Prof. Tunde Agara, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, and Associate Professor Adebola Rafiu Bakare. The publication examines the intersection of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements and its developmental aspirations.
The event, held at the university’s Multipurpose Hall, Felele Campus, was chaired by the former President of the NPSA, Prof. Shuaib Ibrahim. It attracted a high-powered delegation of academic leaders, including Prof. Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, Vice Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja (Host), Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, Vice Chancellor, Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Prof. A.Y. Muhammed, Dean of Social Sciences, University of Ilorin, Prof. Ibrahim Jawondo, Dean of Arts, University of Ilorin.
In his welcome address, Prof. Ibileye expressed pride in hosting the event, noting that FUL remains open to collaborations that foster national development. He also highlighted the university’s transition to a solar-powered community, inviting stakeholders to invest in the institution’s growing infrastructure.
Reviewing the book, Prof. Rotimi Ajayi described the work as a significant contribution to scholarship, praising the editors for capturing the complexities of Nigeria’s foreign relations. He remarked that the honour bestowed on Prof. Saliu was a testament to his decades of teaching, research, and institutional development.
A documentary shown during the event traced Prof. Saliu’s journey from being the best graduating student at Bayero University, Kano (BUK) in 1987 to his PhD with distinction. With over 600 academic works to his name, Saliu was hailed as an “academic titan” whose expertise has been sought by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Assembly.
In his goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor of PAAU, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman urged scholars to emulate Saliu’s dedication to mentorship.
“The greatest gift one can give humanity is to provide opportunities for others to succeed,” Prof. Usman remarked, acknowledging Saliu’s role in nurturing a new generation of political scientists.
Speaking on behalf of the editors, Prof. Tunde Agara thanked the contributors, noting that the Festschrift serves as both a tribute and a scholarly tool to deepen the discourse on Nigeria’s global standing and domestic goals.
The ceremony concluded with a unified consensus that Prof. Saliu’s legacy continues to serve as a beacon for policymakers and scholars alike, reinforcing the transformative power of intellectual discipline.
