- He Has Paid His Dues, Deserved to be Honored – Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, VC PAAU Anyigba
Leading academics, administrators and political scientists on Wednesday gathered at the Federal University Lokoja (Felele Campus) for the public presentation of a book examining Nigeria’s foreign policy and its implications for national development in honour of renowned international relations scholar, Prof. Hassan A. Saliu.
The book, titled The Administration of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and the Implications for National Development, is a 32-chapter book edited by Prof. Tunde Agara, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, and Associate Professor Adebola Rafiu Bakare. It was presented as a Festschrift in honour of Prof. Saliu, who currently serves as President of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA).
The event, held at the university’s Multipurpose Hall, attracted top academics from across the country, including the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja and members of his management team, the Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University and his team, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ilorin, Prof. A.Y. Muhammed, and Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin, Prof. Ibrahim Jawondo, Dr Abdulrasheed Alada Muhammad who represented the NPSA National Executive Council, and several members of NPSA
Also in attendance were former President of the Nigerian Political Science Association, Prof. Shuaib Ibrahim, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, while Alhaji M.M. Mustapha, a renowned politician from Ilorin, Kwara State was represented at the occasion. The alumni of the University of Ilorin was also represented at the event.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, appreciated the choice of the university as the venue to host such a good event and said the university is open for more collaborations on events that contribute to national development. He used the opportunity to invite the good spirited public to come to the university to invest pledging his support and the opportunities provided by the solar farm which powers the university community.
Reviewing the book, Prof. Rotimi Ajayi described the publication as a significant contribution to scholarship on Nigeria’s foreign relations and governance, noting that the work provides valuable insight into the country’s diplomatic engagements and developmental aspirations.
Ajayi said the honour bestowed on Prof. Saliu was well deserved considering his longstanding contributions to teaching, research and institutional development within Nigeria’s academic community.
One of the key points at the event was the showing of a documentary video on the honouree, which traced his academic journey from Ahmadiyya Secondary School, Kano, to Federal Government College, Kano, before proceeding to Bayero University, Kano, where he emerged as the best graduating student of his set in 1987.
The citation of Prof. Saliu highlighted his pursuit of advanced studies at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and his eventual return to Bayero University for doctoral studies, where he earned a PhD with distinction.
Speakers at the event praised Prof. Saliu’s scholarly impact, noting that he has authored and edited over 600 academic works, including books, journal articles and book chapters.
They also commended his administrative roles at the University of Ilorin, where he served as Head of Department, Coordinator of Professional Programmes and Dean of Faculty for two terms.
According to the citation, Prof. Saliu’s expertise has been sought by institutions such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Leadership Forum, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the National Assembly.
“Through dedication, discipline and an unwavering commitment to knowledge, Professor Hassan Ajisafe Iyanda Saliu has carved a legacy that continues to inspire scholars, students and policymakers alike,” the citation read.
It added that his rise in academia remains “a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring impact of intellectual excellence.”
Speaking on behalf of the editors, Prof. Tunde Agara expressed appreciation to guests and contributors for supporting the publication and celebrating the academic accomplishments of Prof. Saliu.
He noted that the Festschrift was not only a recognition of Prof. Saliu’s intellectual contributions but also an opportunity to deepen discussions around Nigeria’s foreign policy direction and national development goals.
In his goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, appreciated the contributions of the honouree to the discipline of political science and implored others to emulate him in mentoring the younger ones to become great scholars. He argued that the greatest gift one can give humanity is to provide opportunities for others to succeed.
