The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, training and policy development on peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday at the IPCR headquarters in Abuja, with the leadership of both institutions describing the partnership as a strategic step towards advancing academic cooperation and developing practical solutions to contemporary peace and security challenges.
Established under the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the IPCR serves as Nigeria’s leading research and policy institution on peacebuilding and conflict management. Under the new partnership, both organisations will jointly undertake research, academic exchanges, specialised training, conferences, publications and internship programmes.
The collaboration will also focus on attracting external research funding and translating research findings into evidence-based policy recommendations for federal and state governments, while strengthening professional capacity in peace and conflict studies.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, said the agreement marked the successful completion of a process initiated by the university’s previous administration. He stressed that leadership continuity had made it possible to sustain the initiative and bring it to fruition.
Ibileye described the MoU as a significant collaboration and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fully implementing its provisions. He said the institution was determined to ensure the partnership delivers meaningful results in research, training and national development.
Director-General of the IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, congratulated Ibileye on his appointment and commended the university for pursuing the partnership. He said the institute remained committed to ensuring the collaboration succeeds, noting that it presents new opportunities for joint research and capacity development.
Ochogwu also praised the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership style, referencing his widely circulated address marking his first 100 days in office, which he said reflected a strong commitment to responsible governance. He added that the partnership could pave the way for joint research proposals, including projects on West African studies that may attract intervention funding from TETFund.
Earlier, the Registrar of the Federal University Lokoja, Dr. Rebecca Aimiohu Okojie, conveyed the goodwill of the university’s governing council, management, staff and students to the IPCR, expressing appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirming the university’s commitment to sustaining the partnership.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials of both institutions, including the Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Rotimi Ajayi, Director of Legal Services, Barrister Amina Aliyu Ahmadu, and other principal officers.
