The knowledge industry in Nigeria may be limping, just like other sectors but the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA) appears determined to take the mandate of knowledge seriously. While we wander in speculation as to the source of its relative exceptionalism in national presence, we are invited to savour yet a menu of ‘Seminar Series on Nigeria’s Democracy’. This time, it is themed ‘Towards a More Workable Democratic Order in Nigeria’
The massive schedule of the first and second rounds of the seminar from Dr. Adebola Bakare, Secretary General of the NPSA comes as follows:
First Seminar on Nigeria’s Democracy
Panel One: Chairman: Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim
(1) Speaker: Prof. Pam Sha
Topic: Liberal Democracy: Limitations and Its Pitfalls in Africa
Discussant: Prof. B.N Makodi
Citation Reader: Prof. Gafar Ayodeji
Date: 28/11/2023
Time: 7pm
(2) Dr. Ogban Ogban Iyam
Topic: Social Production and Issues of Governance and Political Structures
Discussant: Prof. Murtala Mohammed
Citation Reader: Prof. Gafar Ayodeji
Date: 28/11/2023
Time: 7pm
Panel Two: Chairman: Prof. Adele Jinadu
(3) Speaker: Prof. Ladi Hamalai
Topic: Towards a People’s Parliament for Nigeria
Discussant: Prof. Franklin Sanuobi
Citation Reader: Dr. Musa Yahaya
Date: 5/12/2023
Time: 7pm
(4) Speaker: Prof. Okey Ibeanu
Topic: Towards a New Electoral System for Nigeria
Discussant: Prof. Michael Abiodun Oni
Citation Reader: Dr. Musa Yahaya
Date: 5/12/2023
Time: 7pm
Panel Three: Chairman: Prof. Eghosa Osaghae
(5) Speaker: Prof. Mahmoud Lawan.
Topic: Mapping Nigeria’s Democracy with Emphasis on Its Growing Areas of Concern
Discussant: Prof. Usman Tar
Citation Reader: Dr Asmau Dutse
Date: 9/12/2023
Time: 7pm.
(6) Speaker: Prof. Bayo Olukoshi
Topic: Comparative Democracies: Which Model for Nigeria?
Discussant: Prof. Member Genyi
Citation Reader: Dr. Asmau Dutse
Date: 9/12/2023
Time:7pm
Second seminar on Nigeria’s Democracy
Panel One Chairman: Prof. Marietu Tenuche
(1) Speaker: Prof. Victor Adetula
Topic: Money Politics in Nigeria
Discussant: Dr. Musa Yahaya
Citation Reader: Dr. Vande Phillip
Date: 15/2/2024
Time: 5pm
- Speaker: Prof. Robert Dode
Topic: Nigeria’s Electorate and the Democratic Process
Discussant: Prof. Remi Aiyede
Citation Reader: Vande Phillip
Date: 15/2/2024
Time: 5pm
Penel Two: Chairman: Prof. Haruna Dlakwa
(3) Speaker: Prof. Gafar Ayodeji
Topic: Government-Citizens Relationship
Discussant: Prof. Rotimi Ajayi
Citation Reader: Dr. Usman Chiya
Date: 22/2/2024
Time: 5pm
(4) Speaker: Prof. Member Genyi
Topic: Youth and women in Nigeria’s democracy
Discussant: Dr. Ahmed Doho
Citation Reader: Dr. Usman Chiya
Date: 22/2/2024
Time: 5pm
Panel Three Chairman: Prof. Godwin Onu
(5) Speaker: Prof. Jaja Nwanegbo
Topic: Political Parties and Nigeria’s Democracy
Discussant: Prof. Jacob Audu
Citation Reader: Nneka O. Anaukwu
29/2/2024
Time: 5pm
(6) Speaker: Prof. T K. Baba
Topic: Political Parties in other Climes
Discussant: Prof. Gerald Ezirim
Citation Reader: Nneka O. Anaukwu
Date: 29/2/2024
Time: 5pm
(7) Speaker: Prof. Yusuf Zoaka
Topic: The Place of Civil Service and Traditional Institution in Nigeria’s Democracy
Discussant: Prof. Otite Atare
Citation Reader: Nneka O. Anaukwu
Date: 29/2/2024
Time: 5pm
According to NPSA Secretariat, Dr. Jonathan Maiangwa will serve as the Rapporteur-General. Meanwhile, the concept note underpinning the intellectual outing as issued by NPSA President, Prof. Hassan A. Saliu runs as follows:
Even upon a cursory look, it would be evident that democracy across the world is troubled. More so here in Africa where unconstitutional changes of governments have been experienced in recent times. There have been many perspectives shared on the phenomenon. One consistent line of argument is that the liberal type of democracy being practised in Africa is the main issue to interrogate. No doubt, liberal democracy has been held responsible for unworkability of democracy on the continent. Beyond that, there are definitely other developments that have worsened the case against liberal democracy in Africa.
Nigeria, the supposed giant nation in Africa, has had its own fair share of disappointments with democracy, leading to the perception that the generality of people who should benefit from democracy have been thrown under the bridge. This is contrary to the expectation when the struggle for the return of democracy to the country peaked in the 1990s.
As a flagship Association with motto ‘Advancing Democracy for Development’, the NPSA cannot sit idle and do nothing about it.
The Exco has therefore decided to take the bull by the horn. A two-leg seminar is therefore being organised to chart a new direction towards presenting an alternative to the depressing situation, counting on our expertise in this regard. The ultimate objective is to offer Nigerians a new perspective. Towards this end, you have been chosen as chairman, paper presenter or a discussant to help the Association in generating ideas which will be processed further with the intention of sharing the eventual outcome with Nigerians. Please note that the two factors that should serve as the kernel of your effort are: What to do about the situation and How to go about it?
Thank you in anticipation of your contribution to this endeavour.
