The vice chancellor of Lead City University (LCU), Ibadan, Prof. Kabiru Adeyemo, has called for a shift from a predominantly military approach to security to one that places people, justice, good governance, and social inclusion at the center of security policy.
Adeyemo made the call while delivering his welcome address at the opening of the 20th Annual International Conference and General Assembly of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP), held at Lead City University, Ibadan.
The three-day conference, themed “Security, Governance, and Global Dynamics,” brought together government officials, security experts, traditional rulers, academics, and international researchers to examine contemporary security challenges and their implications for Africa.
Adeyemo said security should not be limited to the protection of territorial borders, stressing that weak governance, lack of justice, and limited economic opportunities could fuel insecurity.
“Security is not merely the protection of territorial borders. Security is about people. It is about access to justice, trust in institutions, economic opportunities, and social inclusion. Where governance is weak, insecurity thrives; where justice is absent, conflict grows,” he said.
Addressing the growing complexities confronting modern societies, the vice chancellor highlighted challenges ranging from climate-driven conflicts and violent extremism to artificial intelligence and political polarisation.
He urged participants to move beyond academic discussions and translate their research and deliberations into practical policy solutions.
“The future we seek will not emerge by chance. It will emerge through purposeful leadership, responsible governance, informed scholarship, and collective action,” Adeyemo said.
Reflecting on his academic journey as a graduate of the Peace and Conflict Studies programme at the University of Ibadan 18 years ago, Adeyemo said peace should be seen as an ongoing process requiring dialogue, equity, and responsible leadership.
He paid tribute to the founder of the society, Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert, whom he described as the “Asiwaju Alaafia of Peace Studies,” for his contribution to the development of peace and conflict studies in West Africa.
The conference marked the 20th anniversary of the SPSP, an organisation dedicated to advancing research, policy, and non-violent approaches to conflict resolution.
The conference is also examining issues including human security and territorial defence, governance and institutional trust in post-conflict societies, and emerging threats such as cybercrime, artificial intelligence, and climate-related conflicts, as well as the institutionalisation of peace education in African universities.
It will feature technical sessions and policy panels, while the SPSP General Assembly is expected to elect new executive officers.
Former Inspector-General of Police Dr Kayode Egbetokun delivered the keynote address, while Marc-Antoine Pérouse de Montclos was the lead paper presenter.
At the opening ceremony, SPSP Fellowships were conferred on prominent academics and public figures.
The Chancellor of Lead City University and Pro-Chancellor Emeritus, Prof. Gabriel Babatunde Ogunmola, was honored for his longstanding support for peace studies as an academic discipline.
Adeyemo was also formally inducted as an SPSP Fellow during the assembly.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including representatives of President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
Credit: newspeakonline.com
