NSUK Professor Maiyaki Delivers 63rd Inaugural Lecture, Advocates Justice and Equity to Address Ethnic Conflicts

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 as panacea for ethnic conflicts in Central Nigeria.

Professor Maiyaki made the call on Wednesday, 7th October, 2026, while delivering the University's 63rd Inaugural Lecture titled, Power, Identity and Conflict in Central Nigeria: Lessons from History, held at the NSUK Assembly Hall.

The lecture, which attracted academics, political figures, traditional leaders and members of the University community, examined major socio-cultural challenges confronting Central Nigeria, including ethnic identity struggles, communal mobilisation, state failure and governance deficits.

In her opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sa'adatu Hassan Liman, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Maikano Mohammed Ari, congratulated the Inaugural Lecturer on the academic milestone and commended his contributions to the University and society.

Professor Ari stressed that identity in itself is not inherently conflictual, but that politicisation of identity, exclusion from power and inequitable distribution of resources often create conditions that breed conflict.

According to him, academic institutions should not only serve as centres for knowledge production but also as platforms for peacebuilding, dialogue and policy engagement. He noted that as an institution situated at the heart of Nigeria, NSUK has a significant role to play in promoting peaceful coexistence.

Delivering the lecture, Professor Maiyaki noted that conflicts in Central Nigeria have continued to emerge at the intersection of power and identity, with far-reaching consequences for social, economic and political development.

He emphasised that history holds the key to understanding society's roots and provides knowledge necessary for strategically planning its future, as well as reshaping moral values.

He called for stronger collaboration among governments, academia, traditional institutions, civil society and citizens to strengthen inter-group relations and create an enabling environment that accommodates diverse ethnic groups for meaningful development.

In separate goodwill messages, the Dean, Faculty of Arts, Professor Adam A. Binchi; Professor Umar Sati Fwatshak of the University of Jos; Mr Felix Maiyaki; His Royal Highness, Mr Emmanuel Gommanji Sangarin Dari; and Hon. Samson Dauda, congratulated Professor Maiyaki and described the lecture as timely and relevant to Nigeria's quest for national unity and development.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of a plaque to Professor Maiyaki in recognition of his scholarly contributions to academic excellence and national development.