NSUK Professor Calls for Justice and Equitable Resource Distribution to End Ethnic Conflicts in Central Nigeria

Professor Muhammed Mejida Maiyaki of the Department of History and Diplomatic Studies, Faculty of Arts, Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), has called for justice, fairness and equitable distribution of resources to address ethnic conflicts and promote lasting peace in Central Nigeria.

Maiyaki made the call on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, while delivering the university’s 63rd Inaugural Lecture titled, “Power, Identity and Conflict in Central Nigeria: Lessons from History.”

The lecture, held at the NSUK Assembly Hall, attracted academics, political figures, traditional rulers, members of the university community and other stakeholders.

In her opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Maikano Mohammed Ari, congratulated Maiyaki on the academic milestone and commended his contributions to the growth of the university and society.

Ari also appreciated the organising committee for the successful event and highlighted the importance of history in understanding contemporary socio-cultural challenges, promoting unity and supporting sustainable national development.

He noted that ethnic identity does not inherently lead to conflict, but that its politicisation, exclusion from political power and the unequal distribution of resources often create conditions for violence and instability.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor stressed that academic institutions have a responsibility to contribute to peacebuilding and national development, noting that NSUK, given its location in Nigeria, has an important role in promoting peaceful coexistence.

He maintained that universities should function not only as centres of knowledge production but also as platforms for dialogue, peacebuilding and policy engagement.

In his lecture, Maiyaki examined major socio-cultural challenges confronting Central Nigeria, including ethnic identity struggles, the mobilisation of communal identities, state failure and governance-related problems.

He explained that conflicts in the region frequently arise from the intersection of power and identity, with significant consequences for its social, economic and political development.

The professor emphasised that historical knowledge is essential for understanding the roots of societal problems, reshaping moral values and developing practical approaches to the socio-cultural and economic challenges facing the region.

“History holds the key to understanding society’s roots and provides the knowledge necessary for strategically planning its future,” he said.

Maiyaki called for stronger collaboration among governments, academic institutions, traditional authorities, civil society organisations and citizens to improve relations among ethnic groups and create an environment where diverse communities can coexist and contribute to development.

He identified justice, fairness and equitable resource distribution as essential measures for addressing the underlying causes of ethnic conflicts and achieving sustainable peace in Central Nigeria.

In separate goodwill messages, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Adam A. Binchi; Professor Umar Sati Fwatshak of the Department of History, University of Jos; Felix Maiyaki, son of the inaugural lecturer; His Royal Highness, Mr Emmanuel Gommanji Sangarin Dari; and Hon. Samson Dauda congratulated Maiyaki on the achievement.

They acknowledged his contributions to the university’s development and highlighted the relevance of his lecture to addressing Nigeria’s socio-cultural and economic challenges and advancing national development.

The event concluded with the presentation of an award plaque to Professor Maiyaki in recognition of his scholarly contributions to academic excellence and national development, followed by a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.