The use of multidisciplinary approach for the conduct of research and policy prescription has been advocated as a cardinal means of maintaining national cohesion, security and good governance in Nigeria.
The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja, Dr Salisu Ogbo Usman, who advocated this at the Second National Conference of the School of General and Administrative Studies, Federal Polytechnic, Idah, said the approach has become necessary owing to the prevalent acts of terrorism, endemic poverty, unemployment, ethnic and religious tension and general lack of trust in one another which now constitute serious threat to socio-economic stability and national security.
Dr. Usman who was a Lead Speaker at the Conference, said any society that commits itself to cooperation and understanding diversity, creates a platform for economic growth and development, reduces exploitation and ensures freedom of actions, equity and justice, is certainly on the path of good governance, and invariably a reference point in the maintenance of peace and security.
He added that understanding the institutional framework that would ensure effective governance in Nigeria would require a transparent and accountable government that is responsive to the needs of its citizens.
He stressed that all academic disciplines have crucial roles to play in ensuring good governance and security, and called on scholars at the Conference to interrogate issues that borders on ethnic, religious, class, gender and economic harmonies, as doing so would provide a framework for policy prescription that could drive the country forward.
All field of studies, he added, would need a synergy that promotes transparency, accountability, security, and economic growth, and in the overall interest of the nation.
The keynote speaker and Rector of Federal Polytechnic Idah, Dr. B. Y. Usman, had earlier posited that the task of governance that would lead towards sustainable development could be possible only when security was assured.
He stressed that the rising security challenges required newer approaches to unravel the root causes for lasting solutions.
He considered insecurity as a ‘wicked problem’ because as it could be the root cause of other problems such as poverty, drug abuse, population growth rate, inadequacy or lack of functional education and so on.
The Dean of School of General and Administrative Studies Dr. Ali Mohammed Attai, appreciated the invited guests, Management members of the Polytechnic and participants for taking out time to educate others on the various options available to Nigeria in the bid to find workable solution to the challenges of Governance and Security in the country.
The Conference which has the theme: ‘A Multi – Disciplinary Approach to Governance and Security in contemporary Nigeria’ commenced on Tuesday, 16th May, 2023, at the Judith Attah Lecture Theater of the Polytechnic.
It is scheduled to end on Thursday,18th May, 2023.
Uredo Omale
Head, Public Relations and Protocol Unit.
Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.