OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT ON THE PROPOSED SUBSUMPTION OF THE IPCR IN THE NIIA

I am writing to express my expert opinion on the proposed subsumption of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) under the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA). As a Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies and Chairholder, UNESCO Chair on Peace and Citizenship, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), I am deeply concerned about the potential consequences of this proposal on Nigeria’s peace and conflict management capabilities. With over two decades of experience in peace studies and practice, I am eager to share my insights and arguments against the proposed subsumption.

The Orosanya Report’s recommendations, while aimed at enhancing governance efficiency, may inadvertently undermine Nigeria’s peace and conflict resolution capacities if IPCR is subsumed under NIIA. I commend the House of Representatives for their thoughtful approach and hope to contribute my expertise to the discussion. It’s crucial to consider the potential consequences of this move on the country’s peace and security architecture.

I strongly believe that subsuming the IPCR under NIIA will have far-reaching negative consequences for Nigeria’s peace and conflict management efforts. I urge you, Your Excellency, to consider the importance of maintaining IPCR’s autonomy, ensuring its continued impact on promoting peace and conflict management in Nigeria.

IPCR’s autonomy is crucial due to peace’s historical priority, alignment with national values and symbols, broader scope of peace studies, unique mandate and expertise, inspiration for students, effective resource utilization, and historical precedent. Subsuming it under NIIA would undermine peace’s importance and dilute its impact.

Historical Priority of Peace

Peace has been a fundamental human value, essential for coexistence, even before the emergence of nations and international relations. The pursuit of peace predates the establishment of international affairs, making it a foundational ideal that should not be subsumed under another umbrella. This historical priority underscores the importance of maintaining IPCR’s autonomy, ensuring peace remains a central focus rather than being overshadowed by international affairs. Throughout history, peace has been recognized as a vital component of human relationships, from interpersonal to international levels. Subsuming IPCR under NIIA would undermine this historical priority, diminishing peace’s significance.

National Values and Symbols

Nigeria’s stance on peace is unequivocal, reflecting the country’s deep-seated value for harmony. The national anthem and pledge emphasize peace as a fundamental principle. The Coat of Arms’ watchwords, “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress,” underscore the nation’s unwavering commitment to peace. Subsuming IPCR under NIIA would contradict these national symbols, diminishing peace’s importance and rendering it a hollow promise. Nigeria’s national identity is rooted in peace, and abandoning this commitment would have far-reaching consequences.

Broader Scope of Peace Studies

Peace Studies offers a comprehensive approach that spans individual, national, international, and environmental dimensions, making it a more extensive field than international affairs. While international relations touch on peace in the context of global community relations, Peace Studies prioritizes peace as a value at all levels. Subordinating Peace Studies to international affairs would convey that peace in international relations is more important than peace among Nigerians. This would neglect the complexities of peacebuilding and conflict resolution within Nigeria.

Unique Mandate and Expertise

IPCR promotes research and conflict resolution in Nigeria and Africa, with expertise in peace research, training, and intervention. It has developed valuable resources, taught peace nationwide, and made unparalleled contributions to peacebuilding and conflict resolution, making it a vital institution for Nigeria’s peace and security.

Student Experiences and Testimonials

IPCR inspires peace students, offering a career path and transformative experiences. Hundreds of students from across Nigeria intern at IPCR annually, with profound impacts on their academic and professional pursuits. A remarkable example is some of my Peace and Conflict Studies students, who struggled with engagement and performance until their field trip to IPCR. Interacting with staff and leadership, they became excited about the field and its prospects. One student overcame multiple carryovers, passing with flying colors. IPCR represents hope, inspiration, and transformation, making it an indispensable institution for building manpower for Nigeria’s peace and security.

Utilization of IPCR Resources

Subsuming IPCR under NIIA would risk losing autonomy, misusing resources, and underutilizing expertise, ultimately harming Nigeria’s peace progress. Without Peace Studies expertise, decision-makers may mismanage IPCR affairs, compromising its valuable resources and undermining national peace and security. Autonomy ensures optimal resource utilization.

Historical Precedent and International Comparison

General George Washington’s Academy of Peace and the US’s National Peace Academy and US Institute for Peace demonstrate the value of dedicated peace institutions. Nigeria should similarly maintain IPCR’s autonomy, prioritizing peacebuilding and conflict resolution. International examples show that dedicated peace institutions are crucial. By preserving IPCR’s autonomy, Nigeria can align with humanity’s values, ensuring a harmonious and prosperous nation where peace is a reality. This commitment to peace will reinforce the country’s dedication to peacebuilding and conflict resolution, inspiring and transforming individuals and communities. IPCR’s contributions will continue to make a positive impact.

Your Excellency, my President, I urge Your Administration to enhance peace and conflict management in Nigeria, consider the following: preserve IPCR’s autonomy, elevate its status to a commission, establish dedicated funding, expand research and training programs, foster collaboration with government agencies and international partners, develop a national peace policy with IPCR as lead agency, strengthen conflict prevention and early warning systems, establish a network of peace centers with IPCR as the hub, and promote peace education and awareness campaigns. These measures will enhance IPCR’s impact, ensure consistent support, and promote a culture of peace and tolerance in Nigeria. By implementing these recommendations, Your Administration can demonstrate its commitment to prioritizing peace and conflict management in Nigeria.

Mr. President, I urge you to consider the historical priority of peace, national values, and symbols, IPCR’s unique mandate and expertise, student experiences, and international comparisons. Subsuming IPCR under NIIA threatens Nigeria’s progress in peace studies and practice. Maintaining IPCR’s autonomy and expanding its capacity aligns with national values, prioritizing peace and conflict management. This ensures a harmonious and prosperous Nigeria where peace is a reality. Protect IPCR, a cherished heritage of peace students, scholars, and practitioners and all Nigerians. I appreciate your attention and look forward to your thoughtful consideration.

Professor Demola Akinyoade is a Professor of Peace Studies, Chairholder, UNESCO Chair on Peace and Citizenship and Director, Part-Time Studies, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD)