Reciprocity, Key to Global Relations, Says Ex-Minister Gambari
Renowned scholar and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, has stressed that reciprocity remains the foundation of meaningful international relations that foster mutual understanding and benefits between nations.
Gambari, who also served as Chief of Staff to the late President Muhammadu Buhari and former United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, made the remark at the maiden annual symposium of the International Studies Alumni Association, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. The event, held in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation at ABU’s Centre of Excellence, was organized to honour past deans of the university’s former Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS).
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, Gambari highlighted the link between domestic policy and foreign relations, noting that a country’s foreign policy reflects the strength of its economy and human capital. He credited ABU’s Department of Political Science and International Studies with producing many of Nigeria’s finest diplomats, adding that his own training at the institution shaped critical decisions he made as a diplomat.
“I was able to take many decisions on foreign policy based on the background and experience I gained here at ABU,” he said, while commending the Alumni Association for recognising the contributions of his academic colleagues.
Jega, ABU VC, Others Pay Tribute
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Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Attahiru Jega, former Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University Kano and ex-Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), praised the initiative to honour past deans, describing FASS as a universal community of scholars. He lauded Gambari’s mentorship of generations of Nigerian graduates who contributed to the growth of international studies in the country.
Similarly, ABU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, represented by his Deputy, Prof. Sanusi Aliyu Rafindadi, said the university’s Department of Political Science and International Studies has consistently produced some of Nigeria’s best diplomats. He thanked the honourees for their service and leadership in nurturing academic excellence.
The National President of the Alumni Association, Ambassador Muntari Kaita, said the symposium was conceived as a way of giving back to ABU, while expressing gratitude to Gambari and Jega for gracing the occasion.
Academic and Goodwill Messages
The keynote lecture, “African Academic Excellence: Implications for Politics and Development in Africa,” delivered by Prof. David Moveh, underscored the role of FASS in nurturing generations of policy thinkers and activists who shaped Nigeria’s and Africa’s development. He credited the Zaria School of History, pioneered by Prof. Abdullahi Smith, with decolonising African historiography and changing global perceptions about the continent’s history.
Dr. Kole Shettima, Director of MacArthur Foundation Africa, in his goodwill message, commended ABU’s legacy of diversity, describing it as a university where all Nigerian states and several foreign countries are represented among staff and students.
The Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, represented by Arc. Haruna Abubakar Bamalli, also hailed the organisers for sustaining the culture of giving back to ABU.
Speaking on behalf of the honourees, Prof. Uka Ezenwe expressed gratitude for the recognition, while plaques were presented to past deans and distinguished personalities.
The symposium climaxed with the unveiling of a monument in honour of the past deans, performed by Prof. Gambari.
By PRNigeria
