CPSS to drive practical solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges—Prof. Animasawun
By Bashir Dawodu
The Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies (CPSS), University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdul-Jelil Gbemisola Animasawun, has said that the Centre is repositioning itself towards ensuring that peace and strategic studies extend beyond academic discourse to the deliverance of practical and transformative impact on the society.
Prof. Animasawun made this known during an interview with UNILORIN Bulletin in his office last Tuesday, (March 3, 2026).
According to him, the Centre is working to become a leading African centre of excellence in peace and strategic studies that would also serve as a trusted voice in policy discussions and decision-making processes on peace and security in Nigeria and across the continent.
He added that CPSS is determined to function as a bridge between academia, policymakers and practitioners.
The Director observed that Nigeria and the wider African continent are grappling with complex security challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism, communal conflicts, governance deficits, climate-related insecurity and shifting global geopolitical dynamics.
“These challenges require not only practical solutions but also deep reflection, rigorous analysis and innovative strategies,” he said.
Prof. Animasawun disclosed that the Centre would be guided by four interlinked strategic priorities between 2025 and 2028, which are research excellence, visibility, sustainability, and capacity building.
He explained that CPSS plans to intensify community engagement through outreach programmes, dialogue platforms and peace education initiatives designed to foster grassroots participation in peacebuilding efforts.
The Centre will also strengthen its digital communication platforms by leveraging social media, hosting monthly dialogues and expanding its publications to reach broader audiences.
“We will increase the visibility of our research to non-academic audiences both in Africa and internationally,” Prof. Animasawun stated.
He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to building a strong and resilient institution recognised not only for academic excellence but also for professionalism, inclusivity and the ability to deliver sustainable impact.
