Scholars from across institutions of higher learning in Nigeria, held a three-day writing and publication workshop training at the University of Port Harcourt, with a focus on re-imagining peace in Nigeria.
The workshop organised by the Nigerian chapter of the African University Seminar Series, with support from the Social Science Research Council’s African Peacebuilding and Developmental Dynamics (APDD), was co-hosted by the Faculty of Social Science and Faculty of Agriculture of the university of Port Harcourt
In his opening remarks, Program Director, African Peacebuilding and Development Dynamics, Dr. Cyril Obi explained that the seminar was designed to enable paper presenters from last year’s seminar in Abuja, on the theme, “Reimagining Peace in Nigeria: Resilience, Reconciliation, Social Justice and Everyday Politics”, present drafts of their manuscripts, revise and finalise them for a planned publication under the rubric of the AUSS NG Series.
Dr Obi said participants at the workshop would be exposed to the most up-to-date techniques of academic writing, receive constructive feedback on their manuscripts, and learn more about the strategies for publishing their work as a community of Nigerian APDD scholars committed to research excellence, knowledge production and dissemination.
He continued that the workshop would provide visibility to the work and impact the APDD-supported research and mentorship on the professional careers of the scholars. “This will also constitute a significant building block in the development of a tightly knit APDD alumni network that will organically feed into a distinct pan-African scholarly community committed to promoting the Afrocentric values of research excellence, networking, knowledge production, and policy engagement”.
Obi encouraged the participants to actively support the work of the AUSS-NG to ensure that by the end of the seminar today, they would have collectively successfully mapped out the comprehensive strategy, timelines and plan for submitting a proposal for an edited book or special issue of a highly ranked journal for publication to a reputable publisher.
“Accomplishing this will go a long way in contributing an important edited volume to existing African literature. Such a contribution will also contribute a Nigerian perspective towards shaping national, regional, and global scholarly literature in the fields of peacebuilding, development, and security”, Dr Obi stated.
In his welcome address, Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Owunari Georgewill noted that writing holds immense power, has the ability to inform, inspire, educate and transform lives. He said through it, “ideas come alive, stories endure, and voices find expression. Yet. the path from putting words on paper to achieving publication can often feel daunting”.
Represented by Prof Chuka Ononye at the event, Prof Gerogewill said the workshop was thoughtfully designed to bridge gaps by equipping the participants with the necessary skills, practical insights, and confidence to succeed.
Prof Gerogewill stressed that the workshop was not merely a gathering, but a vibrant space where creativity meets knowledge and opportunity.
He however, told the writers, aspiring authors and researchers, that they would benefit from the expertise of seasoned facilitators who would lead them through effective writing techniques, gathering of data, intricacies of editing, methodologies and the various routes to successful publication.
The Vice Chancellor appreciated the Institution’s Faculty of Social Sciences for the thoughtful collaboration with the Social Science Research Council, African Peace Building and Developmental Dynamics and the AUSS-NG in hosting the workshop in the University.
A lead paper presenter at the workshop training, Prof Victor Okorie, during interview with journalists, noted the need for scholars to strategies in their research and proffer solution to the violence insurgence threatening the peace of the country and the world at large.
Prof Okorie, a lecturer from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Osun State, said “So, war, as far as this thinking is concerned, is endemic. And the thinking here is that those of us who, by the reason of our training, are trained to provide knowledge that will guide individuals, nation states and organisations to protect themselves, we are convoking this very writing workshop to be able to get materials out that will address the issues of insecurity globally”.
Also speaking, Dr Jimam Lar, a lecturer with the University of Jos and a member of the Local Organising Committee, of the Nigerian chapter of African Universities Seminar Series, noted that the programme focused on peace building, re-imagining peace in Nigeria.
Speaking on how the university and academia contribute in solving the problems in society, Dr Lar explained “Conflict is a major issue in our society. Most of us do research on conflict issues and intractable matters around conflict, focusing on solution and on how to go from conflict to peace building. So, most of the papers presented, are on issues that proffer solutions to societal problems”.
Picture: A group photograph of Scholars from across Nigerian Universities at a three-day writing and publication workshop training at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Blessing Ibunge
