UNILAG Hosts Democracy Workshop with U.S. Mission to Educate on Electoral Processes and Civic Engagement
The University of Lagos (UNILAG), in collaboration with the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, recently held an interactive session titled “Democracy in Action: Understanding the U.S. Election Process” on October 29, 2024. T
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
In a bid to deepen knowledge of democracy and civic education, the University of Lagos (UNILAG), in partnership with the United States Mission in Nigeria, organized a thought-provoking interactive session on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. The event, themed “Democracy in Action: Understanding the U.S. Election Process,” was held at the UNILAG Senate Lounge and gathered participants from various institutions, including Trinity University and Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH).
Distinguished speakers at the event included Professor Gabriel Babatunde Babawale, a renowned Professor of Political Economy at UNILAG, and Mr. Michael Ervin, Political and Economic Chief at the United States Consulate in Lagos. Their discussions offered attendees a comprehensive view of the democratic systems in both Nigeria and the United States, with a particular focus on the U.S. electoral process and its implications for civic engagement.
Professor Babawale drew insightful comparisons between the democratic structures of Nigeria and the United States, pointing to the complexities and unique challenges of multi-ethnic nations. He explained the historical significance of the U.S. two-party system and the limited opportunities available to third-party candidates within the American political framework.
Highlighting the Electoral College, Professor Babawale shared, “Each state allocates electors based on its congressional representation, often employing a winner-takes-all approach. This arrangement makes it challenging for third-party candidates to gain traction, as they typically struggle to secure electoral votes.” He emphasized the values of transparency, accountability, and active civic participation as the foundation of a strong democracy, urging students to engage meaningfully in their political processes.
Mr. Ervin, who has served as the Head of the U.S. Mission on Elections in Nigeria since 2022, stressed the importance of understanding electoral processes not only in the U.S. but globally. “This dialogue is crucial for fostering democratic values in countries like Nigeria,” he stated, underlining that democracies worldwide face similar challenges.
During a vibrant Question & Answer session, attendees raised inquiries on voter rights, election integrity, and the role of technology in modern elections. Both speakers responded to questions about misinformation, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and reliance on credible information sources in today’s media landscape.
Earlier, UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & Research), Professor Bola Oboh, welcomed participants and commended the U.S. Mission for choosing UNILAG as a platform for such a crucial dialogue. She reaffirmed the university’s commitment to partnerships that support student development and democratic engagement.
This latest collaboration between the United States Mission and the University of Lagos underscores a shared commitment to promoting democratic values and civic education in Nigeria, providing students and young leaders with valuable insights into the workings of democracy and the electoral process.
