University of Abuja backs Nigeria’s bid for permanent UN seat
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof Mathew Adamu, has expressed strong support for Nigeria’s call for a permanent seat at the United Nations, citing the country’s long-standing contributions to global peacekeeping and conflict resolution.
Prof Adamu made this known during a symposium held at the University of Abuja with the theme “Advancing Peace Through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
He emphasised that lasting peace must begin at home and be anchored on justice, fairness, and inclusion.
Also speaking at the event, the FCT Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Olusola Odumosu, urged Nigerian youths to take the lead in driving peace initiatives and contributing to the attainment of the SDGs.
He noted that genuine peace is built on justice, opportunity, and inclusion, calling on students to translate advocacy into concrete action.
A UK partner of the SPRING Programme, Dr Ukoha Ukiwo, maintained that issues of inequality, poverty, and limited access to quality education remain major barriers to peace and sustainable development.
He warned that these challenges continue to fuel social unrest, deepen societal divisions, and weaken youth empowerment, a vital ingredient for nation-building.
Similarly, Dr Bala Yusuf Yunusa, from the SDGs Office, identified the need to tackle inequality and poor education as central to reducing conflicts and fostering sustainable peace.
In their keynote addresses, Prof Sadiq Abba and Prof Patricia Taiwo called for the strengthening of civic responsibility and the establishment of resilient institutions capable of sustaining peace at all levels.
Participants unanimously agreed that peace is not a luxury but a necessity, rooted in justice, inclusion, and community-driven action.
Editing by Oluwaseyi Ajibade
