The Ag. Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies (CPSS), University of Ilorin, Dr. Mahfouz Adedimeji, has reiterated that unless synergy is forged between the academic community and the larger public, there can be no meaningful development.
Dr. Adedimeji made this submission while receiving a delegation of the Kwara State Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution, led by Barrister A.M. Jibril, to the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies.
According to the Director, the focus of higher education globally has shifted from the old conception of the University as an “ivory tower” far insulated from the society to a functional organ that affects society and is affected by it.
He added that it is in that regard that the University of Ilorin has a town-and-gown policy and engages with different segments of the society. He said that is also why the Centre is not only active in the University but also in the larger society where it actually mediates, reconciles and acquires field experience to produce highly professional peace scholars and practitioners.
Dr. Adedimeji welcomed partnership with the CPSS, adding that the Centre would be engaged during the CPSS Annual Alternative Dispute Resolution Retreat during which the CPSS trains practitioners in the area of study.
Earlier speaking, the leader of the delegation and Coordinator of the Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution, Barrister A. M. Jibri sought the partnership of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies in the discharge of its duties. He said the Centre was established in 2008 by the Kwara State Government.
He pointed out that the Centre has achieved tremendous successes since its establishment, adding that several cases that would have dragged on for long in the law courts had been amicably settled by the Centre. He, therefore, called for cooperation so that his Centre would still achieve more.
With the Ag. Director to receive the delegation were Prof. Amadu Sesay, Dr. J. O. Fayeye, Dr. G. A. Animasawun, Dr. R. O. Babatunde, Dr. R. A. Shittu, Mr. M. O. Ibitoye and Mr. Y. B. Ibrahim.
In the visiting delegation’s entourage to the Centre were Mrs. A. U. Hamzat, Mrs. M. B. Adekilekun, Mr. Y. Aremu, Mr. N. E. Obianyi, Mr. P. A. Buremoh, Mr. S. Suleman, Mrs. O. Adewuyi and Mrs. M. O. Adebisi.