The Vice-Chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi, Prof. Fatimah Tahir, has called on universities to play more active roles in promoting peace, resilience and social harmony, especially in regions facing complex security challenges.
Tahir made the call on Saturday in Bauchi at a one-day workshop on Youth Engagement in Peacebuilding, organised by the university’s Centre for Peace, Security and Social Studies.
Represented by Dr Wasilu Suleiman, the Vice-Chancellor said universities must go beyond teaching and research to intentionally shape values, leadership and civic responsibility among young people.
She said institutions of higher learning have a moral and social obligation to contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding efforts within their host communities.
Highlighting the importance of youth inclusion in peace processes, Tahir noted that when young people are equipped with relevant skills and opportunities, they could become effective agents of peace.
She warned that excluding youths from peace initiatives could expose them to manipulation, violence and extremism.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the Centre for Peace, Security and Social Studies for its sustained efforts in advancing research, dialogue and capacity-building on peace and security issues.
She described the workshop as a demonstration of the university’s commitment to linking academic knowledge with community impact and urged participants to ensure that lessons from the programme translate into concrete peace initiatives across Bauchi State and beyond.
Earlier, the Director of the centre, Dr Yusuf Musa, stressed the importance of youth participation in sustainable peacebuilding, particularly in conflict-affected regions such as the North-East.
Musa referenced the United Nations Youth, Peace and Security Agenda, anchored on UN Security Council Resolutions 2250, 2419 and 2535, which recognise young people as key partners in peacebuilding.
He explained that the workshop was designed as a practical platform to equip participants with peacebuilding skills applicable within their communities, campuses and organisations.
The workshop attracted youth leaders, academics, facilitators and other stakeholders, reinforcing the university’s growing role as a hub for peace and security discourse in the region.
