Egbewole welcomes collaboration between CPSS and CJID

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has embraced the ongoing collaborative initiatives between the institution’s Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies (CPSS) and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) towards the commencement of two Master’s degree programmes at the university which is focused on developing training content, proposals for interventions, as well as academic and policy publications for security purposes.

Prof. Egbewole stated this in his office penultimate Friday (December 29,2023) when he received the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, who is also  the Publisher of Premium Times, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi.

The Vice Chancellor expressed appreciation for the commendable efforts of the Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies (CPSS), Prof. Abdulganiyu Ibrahim Jawondo, particularly in identifying Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi as a valuable contributor to the initiatives.

The Professor of Jurisprudence and International Law also commended the CPSS Director for identifying gaps in Peace Studies in Nigeria, stressing the importance of deploying knowledge, technology, and in-depth research to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the nation’s security architecture.

Expressing excitement about the CPSS’s forward-looking approach, especially in addressing security challenges related to groups like Boko Haram, the Vice-Chancellor proposed the design of courses that could benefit not only the University of Ilorin but also other African universities.

Prof. Egbewole believed that such initiatives would attract these institutions to collaborate with UNILORIN with a view to taking advantage of the University’s substantial goodwill.

The Vice Chancellor, who said he has been closely following the progress of the CJID, praised its capabilities and acknowledged the potential for mutual benefits in their collaborations.

He also emphasised the University’s commitment to adding significant value to the CJID while ensuring that the collaboration enhances the academic landscape.

The Chief Executive Officer of the University of Ilorin highlighted UNILORIN’s unique assets and emphasised the need to showcase the University as the ideal destination for collaborative efforts in addressing security challenges and advancing peace studies.

Earlier, the CEO of CJID and Publisher of Premium Times, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi, said the proposed Master degree in Digital Peace Building and Master degree in Verification, Early Warning, & National Security, which are scheduled to commence in September 2024, are unique programmes hinged on a rare blend of theory and practice by bringing together a unique faculty of distinguished experts and scholars towards providing skilled graduates with readily deployable competencies.

Mr Olorunyomi explained that with the UNILORIN having established a commendable reputation in Peace and Conflict Studies, the Centre would certainly help in conflict prevention.

While anticipating a substantial subscription, the astute investigative journalist said the programmes would bring in courses such as verification skills, early warning systems, and expertise in the peace building process and national security for security personnel, adding that esteemed security personnel at the highest echelons have been billed to contribute to this course at the campus of the University of Ilorin.