SYMPOSIUM ON GOODLUCK JONATHAN AND THE CHALLENGES OF THE 2011 ELECTIONS.

AN ADDRESS PRESENTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATE STUDENTS OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, MR KIMIEBI IMOMOTIMI EBIENFA (JP), ON THE OCCATION OF A SYMPOSIUM ORGANIZED BY THE ASSOCIATION TITLED “GOODLUCK JONATHAN AND THE CHALLENGES OF THE 2011 ELECTIONS”, 26TH MAY 2010.
It is with a heart full of joy that I welcome you all to this epoch making occasion. The Association of Graduate Students of Political Science, University of Ibadan, the organizers of this symposium is one of the most powerful and vibrant postgraduate Associations in this citadel of learning. As the name implies, the Association is the umbrella body of all postgraduate students in the Department of Political Science, which include, Master of Science in Political Science, Masters in Election Administration, Masters in Strategic Studies, Postgraduate Diploma in Election Administration, Master of Philosophy and our highly respected Doctor of Philosophy Students.
Ladies and gentlemen, recent developments in the polity demonstrate the fact that, our beloved country Nigeria is in dare need of reforms, especially in the electoral sector as 2011 draw nigh, to create good governance and a workable social contract between the rulers and the ruled. It is on this premise that, our noble Association, as part of our contribution to the ongoing political reform discourse in the country, decided to organize this symposium titled “Goodluck Jonathan and the Challenges of the 2011 Elections”.
I want to inform you categorically that, the speakers invited to dissect the topic which include: Prof. F. Egbokhare (Director, Distance Learning Centre, University of Ibadan),Dr.I. Onyenouru (Director, Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Ibadan), Dr.CBN Ogbogbo ( Head, Department of History, University of Ibadan) and Dr. OBC Nwolise (Senior Lecturer, Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan) are men of integrity and scholars of international repute. More so, with the presence of the cream of intellectuals in the Department of Political Science, led by our indefatigable and dynamic Head of Department, Prof. Bayo Okunade, be rest assured that there will be no dull moment.
Citizenship responsibility beckons, therefore do not hesitate to elevate the reservations of your cardiac organs. Nigeria needs your input to succeed.
Thanks and Godbless.