By Jako Keke [Jalingo Times] November 10, 2026.
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Wukari, Professor Benjamin Kefas, has described elections as a critical democratic process through which citizens make choices about who governs them at various levels of government.
Professor Kefas stated this during a sensitisation lecture on the peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections, organised by the Coalition of Taraba Academics for Continuity and Development at the Federal University Wukari, Taraba State.
He said the choices voters make during elections have far-reaching implications for leadership, governance and the overall development of society, stressing the need for citizens to participate responsibly in the electoral process.
The sensitisation lecture featured two major presentations. The first was delivered by Professor Jonathan Maiangwa of the University of Maiduguri on the topic, "The Role of Credible, Free and Peaceful Elections in Taraba State."
Professor Maiangwa observed that elections in Nigeria had often been characterised by violence, electoral fraud and post-election litigation, noting that academics have a responsibility to address these challenges through public enlightenment and civic engagement.
He identified the responsibilities of academics to include educating and sensitising communities, generating evidence-based knowledge, facilitating dialogue, promoting accountability and mentoring the next generation of responsible leaders.
The second presentation was delivered by the Vice-Chancellor of Kwararafa University, Wukari, Professor Shishi Zhema, who spoke on "Youth Political Participation and Strategies Against Political Thuggery in Taraba State."
Professor Zhema argued that Taraba State does not lack a youthful population but needs stronger platforms and opportunities to channel their energy towards productive political participation.
He emphasised the importance of engaging, educating and empowering young people to participate actively in democratic processes rather than allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political violence and thuggery.
Earlier, the National President of the Coalition of Taraba Academics for Continuity and Development, Professor David Andrew Agbu, said the summit was organised to reawaken the consciousness of academics and the general public to the importance of credible, free, fair and peaceful elections.
Professor Agbu noted that academics have pivotal roles to play in shaping public opinion and influencing societal values through teaching, public lectures, research and the effective use of available media platforms.
He appreciated the dignitaries and stakeholders who attended the event, describing the initiative as part of the organisation's commitment to promoting democratic values ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The National President reaffirmed the coalition's determination to continue providing leadership in public enlightenment, particularly among young people, through messages of peace, patriotism, transparency and responsible citizenship for a better Nigeria.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Chairman of Wukari Local Government Council, Hon. Useni Bala; the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Taraba State, Mr Bala Joe; and the Aku Uka of Wukari, His Royal Majesty, Manu Ishaku Adda Ali, who was represented by Emmanuel Ubandoma, the Acon Cio of Gidan Idi Chiefdom.
Other dignitaries who delivered goodwill messages included Senator David Jimkuta, represented by Hon. Istifanus Gbana; Ambassador Sanfo Bala; Hon. Ayuba Zaku; and the Vice-Chancellor of Taraba State University, Professor Paul Bako, represented by Professor Asumate Isa Mohammed, among other prominent personalities.
Highlights of the event included goodwill messages, keynote presentations and discussions on democratic participation, electoral credibility, youth engagement and strategies for preventing political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Comments
Post a Comment