UNILAG DVC Falaiye Calls for Dialogue, Diplomacy to Resolve University Conflicts

UNILAG DVC Prof. Muyiwa Falaiye has urged universities to prioritise diplomacy, dialogue and negotiation to resolve conflicts and maintain peaceful academic environments.

Falaiye made the remarks while speaking at the UNILAG Master of Diplomacy and Strategic Studies yearly lecture series, themed: ‘Diplomatic engagements for economic development: Exploring opportunities and tackling challenges.’

The professor of African socio-political philosophy noted that while conflict is inevitable in human interaction, including university settings, the real challenge lies in how such disagreements are managed.

He noted that universities, as centres of diverse opinions and interests, must prioritise dialogue, negotiation, and tolerance to prevent crises and ensure stability.

Falaiye emphasised that diplomacy provides a structured framework for resolving disputes peacefully, adding that its relevance extends beyond international relations to institutional and interpersonal engagements.

He said the principles of listening, negotiation and compromise that guide diplomacy at the global level are equally applicable within academic institutions, where faculty, staff and students often hold differing views on resource allocation, governance and policy.

He added that despite rising global tensions, the world continues to rely on diplomacy rather than force to resolve conflicts, noting that negotiations often determine outcomes even in situations of intense rivalry.

“Global peace over the decades has largely been sustained not by military might, but by the consistent efforts of diplomats who manage conflicts, balance competing interests, and create room for dialogue even among adversaries,” he said.

The don urged students and aspiring diplomats to embrace rational engagement and constructive dialogue, stressing that peaceful coexistence depends on prioritising negotiation over confrontation.

He noted that building a culture of dialogue within universities would not only prevent escalation of disputes, but also preserve the academic mission of teaching, research and innovation.

Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. EghosaOsaghae, highlighted the broader role of diplomacy in advancing national development, particularly through economic engagement.

Osaghae described economic diplomacy as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s foreign policy, noting that no country can attain meaningful global influence without a strong economic base.

“The greatest strength any country can have is its economy,” he said, adding that nations with robust economies tend to build more stable and prosperous societies.

He further explained that diplomacy remains a vital tool for achieving national objectives peacefully, often succeeding where force fails.

Osaghae said that through trade agreements, investment negotiations, and bilateral partnerships, countries can secure resources, markets, and technical cooperation that drive growth.

He also noted that modern diplomacy has evolved beyond state actors, with individuals, the private sector, and the diaspora increasingly playing significant roles in advancing national interests.

He said that Nigerian professionals abroad and private businesses are now active participants in shaping the country’s international image and economic linkages.

In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. MudasiruIlupeju, said the lecture series was designed to stimulate intellectual engagement and connect academic discourse with evolving global diplomatic trends.

“Our goal is to create an environment where challenging ideas can be debated, and new perspectives can thrive,” he said.