..Vice Chancellor, Others speak at a Symposium

The Department of History and International Studies, Faculty of Education and Arts, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, hosted a significant one-day symposium with the theme, “The Emergence of Coups in the Sahel Region and Its Implications for ECOWAS: Efforts in Regional Integration in Africa,” which brought together scholars, and students to delve into the growing concern of military coups in the Sahel region and their impact on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and regional integration initiatives.

Declaring the symposium open, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu, stressed the critical importance of the symposium’s theme, especially given the recent political upheavals in West Africa.

He stated that the recent spate of coups in the Sahel region threatens the very fabric of democracy and good governance that ECOWAS has worked tirelessly to promote, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the causes of these coups and their broader implications to develop effective strategies to curb further destabilization in the region.

Professor Adamu also highlighted the role of academic institutions like IBB University in providing a platform for critical discussions on issues that affect the continent.

The Vice commended the Department of History and International Studies for organizing the symposium, describing it as both timely and relevant.

In his presentation, the Guest Speaker, Ambassador Yahaya Danjuma Ndagi Faruk, Tafidan Nupe and Board Member of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, underscored the critical role of good governance as a solution to the recurring problem of military coups in Africa.

He reechoed the perspective of the Vice-Chancellor who had previously emphasized that the foundation of a stable and prosperous society lies in the consistent practice of good governance.

Ambassador Faruk argued that military coups are often the result of systemic failures in governance, where the lack of accountability, transparency, and respect for the rule of law creates fertile ground for undemocratic takeovers.

He highlighted that good governance is more than just holding regular elections; it involves a commitment to upholding democratic principles such as the protection of human rights, the equitable distribution of resources, and the maintenance of a robust judicial system stressing that when these elements are in place, they build trust between the government and the people, reducing the likelihood of political dissatisfaction that could lead to military interventions.

Ambassador Olugbemi, the Guest of Honour, reinforced these views by drawing attention to the historical context of military coups in Africa, pointing out that in regions where governance is weak and characterized by corruption, economic mismanagement, and social inequality, the military often positions itself as a corrective force.

However, he cautioned that military rule typically exacerbates existing problems, leading to further political instability, economic downturns, and widespread human rights violations.

Both speakers called for a renewed focus on strengthening democratic institutions in Africa as a preventive measure against military coups.

They advocated for regional cooperation, particularly through bodies like ECOWAS, to support member states in building resilient governance structures with emphasis on the importance of civic education, particularly among the youth, to foster a deep understanding of democratic values and the dangers of military rule.

In a vote of thanks, the Registrar, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki expressed his profound gratitude to the Ambassador, who graciously fulfilled his pledge to donate fifteen West African flags to the University.

The Registrar acknowledged that these flags, proudly displayed at the symposium, served as a powerful reminder of the collective identity and shared aspirations of ECOWAS member states.

He congratulated the organizers of the symposium, commending their dedication and hard work in bringing together experts and participants to discuss such a critical and timely issue.

Alhaji Saleh Kusherki reiterated the University’s commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to the development of not only the institution, but also the broader West African region.

He thanked all attendees for their participation and wished everyone a safe journey back to their respective destinations.