Prof. Hassan Saliu Emerges Interim NSIA President
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
A renowned Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Ilorin, Hassan Saliu, has emerged the interim President of the Nigerian Society of International Affairs (NSIA).
Saliu was the immediate past President of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA).
It was gathered that Prof. Saliu emerged as NSIA Interim President on Wednesday after a consultative session on the revival of the association.
Other members of the NSIA interim leadership are Prof. Victor Adetula and Prof. Murtala Muhammad.
The committee has the mandate of the meeting to co-opt two female scholars to ensure broader representation, inclusivity and gender balance in its composition.
‎‎The interim leadership committee was charged with the responsibility of developing an appropriate roadmap for the formal reactivation of the association, broadening consultations with relevant stakeholders, reviewing the association’s constitutional and administrative framework where necessary, amongst others.
“When that happens, the NSIA will be a hotbed of a long list of issue-areas in its commitments. Amongst them are a revived NSIA that is about promoting cutting-edge research and scholarship; advancing knowledge in international affairs; influencing public policy through evidence-based research; fostering professional development among members; encouraging interdisciplinary networking and scholarly collaboration; supporting the growth and mentorship of early-career academics; publishing high-quality academic books and journals.
“Others include promoting international understanding and cooperation; strengthening teaching standards in universities and research institutions; upholding the highest ethical standards of academic practice; recognizing excellence in scholarship and professional service and enhancing Nigeria’s national, regional and global intellectual engagement,” a source that attended the meeting confided in our reporter.
“These were all part of the unanimous outcomes at today’s (Wednesday) meeting in which leading names include Prof Warisu Alli who played the role of Convener; Professors Tijjani Muhammad-Bande; Istifanus Zabadi; Rufai Ahmed Alkali; Hassan Saliu; William Fawole; Victor Adetula; Murtala Muhammad; Efem Ubi; Sharkdam Wapmuk and James Jacob were in attendance,” the source added.
Speaking on the development, Prof. Warisu Alli underscored the historical significance of the Nigerian Society of International Affairs, emphasising the imperative of restoring the association to its rightful position as a vibrant intellectual platform capable of advancing research, stimulating scholarly discourse, mentoring emerging academics, and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s foreign policy and global engagement.
He observed that the revival of the association had become increasingly necessary in view of the evolving dynamics of international politics, diplomacy, peace and security, global governance, and regional integration, all of which demand sustained scholarly engagement and institutional collaboration.
