UNIZIK Professor Delivers 128th Inaugural Lecture, Says Good Governance Key To Nigeria's Peace And Security

A Professor of Comparative Politics, Peace and Security Governance at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Chukwuemeka Innocent Jaja Nwanegbo, has delivered the university’s 128th Inaugural Lecture in a grand style.

Prof. Nwanegbo delivered the lecture on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the ASUU NAU Secretariat, UNIZIK. The lecture was titled, "Beyond Guns: Good Governance as Nigeria's Pathway to Peace and Security".

The scholar said that good governance, not brute force alone, is the surest pathway to lasting peace and security in Nigeria.

He noted that from its origin, the literature of political science is replete with established positions on the role of politics and governance in maintaining peace and security, adding that politics remains the foundation for establishing societal order.

Prof. Nwanegbo defined politics as "the exercise of power and authority, the making of collective decisions, the allocation of scarce resources and the practice of persuasion through acceptable means within any polity."

On governance, he described it as a phenomenon that exists whenever a group of people come together to accomplish an end. He referenced the World Bank’s three key aspects of governance: the form of political regime, the process by which authority is exercised in managing a country’s economic and social resources, and the capacity of government to design, formulate, implement policies and discharge functions.

In contextualizing peace and security, the scholar explained that peace can be categorized into traditional and modern forms, with six definitional models. He added that a peaceful atmosphere enhances security, while violent conflict provides fertile ground for insecurity, making peace and security symbiotic.

According to him, interconnected academic, practical and policy frameworks explain how politics and governance serve as foundational pillars for peace, security and development. He identified the democratic peace theory, human security framework, institutional economics and inclusive institutions, and the developmental state theory as key theoretical frames connecting the concepts.

Prof. Nwanegbo also presented findings from his research on the root causes of governance failures that generate conflicts and insecurity in Nigeria, with emphasis on intergroup conflicts. He proffered strategies for improving governance processes to contain conflicts and insecurity nationwide.

The scholar stressed that an academic is expected to perform three core responsibilities: teaching, research and community service, to be considered a complete scholar.

He concluded by advocating a 'whole-of-society' approach, which demands collaboration between government, religious leaders, traditional rulers and citizens to address the root causes of conflict.

"Silencing the guns and ending insecurity requires that Nigeria should be made a home for all Nigerians to willingly live in, not by coercion but by convenience. This can only happen when all constituent units are properly governed and provided with the basic services required for human existence," Prof. Nwanegbo stated.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, described inaugural lectures as central to university culture and a vital platform for professors to showcase research in their fields.

The Vice-Chancellor commended Prof. Nwanegbo for the depth of his presentation, as well as his outstanding academic achievements and contributions to the institution.

The highlight of the event was the conferment of the University’s Distinguished Professor Medal of Honour on the 128th Inaugural Lecturer by the Vice-Chancellor.

The lecture drew members of the university community, friends, well-wishers and other stakeholders.