Federal University Lokoja Signs Strategic Partnership with IPCR on Peacebuilding, Conflict Resolution

Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) to strengthen collaboration in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, research, training and policy development.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the IPCR headquarters in Abuja, with the management of both institutions in attendance to formalise the partnership.

The collaboration provides a legal framework for joint academic and professional initiatives, including lecturers' exchange programmes, internship placements, joint research, publications, specialised training workshops and conferences. Both institutions also agreed to collaborate in securing external research funding and translating research findings into policy recommendations for federal and state governments.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, expressed delight that the partnership process, initiated under the university's previous administration, had been successfully concluded during his tenure.

Professor Ibileye stressed the importance of leadership continuity and institutional memory, recalling that he participated in the initial discussions on the partnership in February 2024 alongside the university's delegation.

He described the agreement as a significant collaboration and reaffirmed the university's commitment to implementing it in line with its objectives.

"We're here today to reactivate the dormant process and reaffirm our commitment to sustaining this collaboration. We assure you that the partnership will be run in the full spirit of this agreement," he said.

The Vice-Chancellor thanked the Director-General of IPCR, Joseph Ochogwu, and the institute's management for their willingness to partner with the university. He also appreciated members of the university's management team for supporting the successful conclusion of the agreement.

Earlier, Dr. Ochogwu congratulated Professor Ibileye on his appointment as Vice-Chancellor and commended the university for pursuing the partnership.

He also praised the Vice-Chancellor's leadership style and understanding of good governance, referencing his widely circulated address marking his first 100 days in office, which he said demonstrated responsible leadership.

The Director-General expressed confidence that the partnership would create new opportunities for both institutions and strengthen academic collaboration, research and policy engagement in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.