Philosophy

Academic Philosophy

My scholarship is driven by a concern with how African states cooperate, secure themselves, and pursue development within a changing global order. I am interested in why regional institutions such as ECOWAS succeed or falter, how national interest shapes foreign policy, and how insecurity, migration, and food scarcity test the capacity of the state. I believe that good scholarship in international relations must be grounded in evidence, attentive to Africa’s own experience, and honest about the gap between policy promises and practical outcomes.

Teaching Philosophy

I approach the classroom as a place where students learn to analyse politics and international affairs with evidence, rigour, and independent judgement. My aim is not only to pass on theories and concepts, but to help students apply them to real events in Nigeria, West Africa, and the wider world. At the undergraduate level, I focus on building a firm foundation in political thought, government, and international relations. At the postgraduate level, I emphasise research design, critical reading, and clear argument, and I supervise student research with the expectation that it should be both rigorous and relevant.

Research Philosophy

My research examines regional integration and ECOWAS, foreign policy, security and terrorism, migration and refugees, and food security in Africa. What connects these themes is a single conviction: that the problems of peace, security, and development in Africa are interlinked and cannot be understood in isolation. I value collaboration, and much of my work is done with colleagues and postgraduate researchers. I want my research to inform policy debate and public understanding, as well as the academic literature.

Service Philosophy

I believe that a university teacher has a duty to the institution, to students, and to the public. Within the University of Uyo, I have served as Examination Officer for the Postgraduate Part-Time Programme and as Long Essay Co-ordinator for the Postgraduate Programme, roles that demand fairness, order, and care for students’ progress. Beyond the university, I served as a Ward Returning Officer in the 2019 general elections, where integrity and impartiality in the electoral process were paramount. I am also a member of the Nigerian Political Science Association and a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration and the Institute of Policy Management Development. I am grateful for the recognition I have received from student bodies at the University, which I regard as a reminder that service is measured by its effect on others.