Benue State University, Makurdi

PROFILE OF THE DIRECTOR

PROF. SARWUAN DANIEL SHISHIMA, the Director, Centre for Peace and Development Studies holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies, he obtained an MA and BA in Religious Studies from the University of Jos. He is a distinguished scholar in African Traditional Religion (ATR) with a profound interest in African Traditional Religion and Culture, African Traditional Medicine, and African Ethics and Philosophy. He embarked on his teaching career in 1983 at the Mbagba Community Secondary School and continued teaching in various schools until he joined the Department of Religion and Philosophy (now Religion and Cultural Studies) at Benue State University in 1992.
Throughout his three-decade tenure at Benue State University, Professor Shishima held various administrative roles, including Director of the Centre for Peace and Development Studies, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Head of Department, and Coordinator of different programs. He also served sabbatical terms at NIPSS and at Nasarawa State University Keffi. Additionally, he held visiting positions at several universities in Nigeria, including Gombe State University, Kogi State University, and Taraba State University. He served as an external examiner for various institutions. Professor Shishima has an extensive publication record, with over 60 publications in local and international journals, including books and book chapters.
He is a devout Christian and holds notable positions, such as the Grand Patron of Lordship of Christ Family Ministry, Makurdi. In recognition of his contributions to the field, he is a Fellow in the Academy of Religions (FAR) in the Nigeria Association for the Study of Religions (NASR) and a Fellow of Tiv Professionals in Development (FTPD) Cubanet Publishers Ltd, Gboko in conjunction with Tiv Professionals Initiative, Makurdi. He was appointed an Ambassador of Peace and Community Transformation by the World Organisation of Ambassadors, Dignitaries, Ministers, and Diplomatic Agents, Argentina in November 2020.

STAFF PROFILE OF THE CENTER

PROF. SARWUAN DANIEL SHISHIMA, the Director, Centre for Peace and Development Studies holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies, he obtained an MA and BA in Religious Studies from the University of Jos. He is a distinguished scholar in African Traditional Religion (ATR) with a profound interest in African Traditional Religion and Culture, African Traditional Medicine, and African Ethics and Philosophy. He embarked on his teaching career in 1983 at the Mbagba Community Secondary School and continued teaching in various schools until he joined the Department of Religion and Philosophy (now Religion and Cultural Studies) at Benue State University in 1992.
Throughout his three-decade tenure at Benue State University, Professor Shishima held various administrative roles, including Director of the Centre for Peace and Development Studies, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Head of Department, and Coordinator of different programs. He also served sabbatical terms at NIPSS and at Nasarawa State University Keffi. Additionally, he held visiting positions at several universities in Nigeria, including Gombe State University, Kogi State University, and Taraba State University. He served as an external examiner for various institutions. Professor Shishima has an extensive publication record, with over 60 publications in local and international journals, including books and book chapters.
He is a devout Christian and holds notable positions, such as the Grand Patron of Lordship of Christ Family Ministry, Makurdi. In recognition of his contributions to the field, he is a Fellow in the Academy of Religions (FAR) in the Nigeria Association for the Study of Religions (NASR) and a Fellow of Tiv Professionals in Development (FTPD) Cubanet Publishers Ltd, Gboko in conjunction with Tiv Professionals Initiative, Makurdi. He was appointed an Ambassador of Peace and Community Transformation by the World Organisation of Ambassadors, Dignitaries, Ministers, and Diplomatic Agents, Argentina in November 2020.

DR. JOHN TOR TSUWA, the Deputy Director holds a PhD in Defence and Strategic Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna and another PhD in Political Science, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies from the Benue State University, Makurdi-Nigeria. He graduated with an MSc in International Relations and Strategic Studies and a BSc in Political Science from the Benue State University. Makurdi. As a certified mediator and a charted conciliator, Tsuwa has an International Executive Diploma in Disaster Management, a certificate in Leadership Defence and Security Management, a certificate in Leadership, Preventive Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution, and a certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Tsuwa also attended the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) for certification in Strategic Leadership and Management. He was trained by the International Federation for Electoral Support (IFES) for a certificate in BRIDGE (Building Resources in Democracy, and Election) Professional Development and later by the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) for a certificate in Leadership and Conflict Management Skills for Electoral Managers (LEAD). Tsuwa has served as a resource person and a visiting lecturer to many research organizations including the Open University of Nigeria, Nigerian Defence College, Abuja, The Nigerian Airforce War College, Makurdi, University of Mkar, Mkar, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi and Kwararafa University, Wukari, Taraba state. Tor Tsuwa is a Fellow of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) and a member of many professional bodies such as American Association of International Researchers (AAIR), Fellow, French Research Institute in Africa (IFRA), member, National Science and Research and Education Association (NASHER), Member and immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Political Science Association, North Central Zone. He is also a Member, African Studies Association of Africa (ASAA). Tsuwa severed the Benue state government as the Chairman, Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC). He also served as the Secretary General of Forum of States Independent electoral commissions (FOSIECON). He is currently a lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Benue State University, Makurdi. He has over 97 well researched articles in both local and international journals and has edited and co-edited over eleven books.

JANE MRUMUN CHIA TITOR is a certified linguist who holds a Master of Art in French and obtained her B.A Hons in French both from the Benue State University. She holds an NCE in French and English from the College of Education, Katsina Ala. She has a certificate in Conflict Resolution from West End College, London. She obtained an Executive Diploma in Disaster and Risk Management from LaPlage, a Certificate of Completion of the International Computer Driver’s License (ICDL) training and she obtained a Certificate of training in fundamentals of workshop and training skills from Centre for Peace and Development Studies, Benue State University. She is a Principal Assistant Registrar (PAR) in Benue State University and has held responsibilities such as being the secretary of committee investigation activities of University Health Service, she was also appointed hall administrator, accommodation allocator and supervisor for girls’ hostel and staff houses, she served as the secretary of the committee investigating a case of victimization on a post-graduate student. She also served as the faculty of Art Department Officer. Titor is a member of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), Association of Nigerian Universities and Professional Administrators (ANUPA), Institute of Professional Managers and Administrators (IPMA), State Patron Boys’ Brigade 229th BN COY, Buruku Women Association (BWA). She is currently the Secretary, Centre for Peace and Development Studies.

ANN GARBA is a Legal Practitioner with a Master of Laws Degree (LL.M) in Criminal Law from Benue State University, Makurdi-Benue and a Bachalors Degree (LL.B) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria-Kaduna. Her name was added to the rolls at the Supreme Court of Nigeria after she completed her training at the Nigerian Law School (NLS) Lagos – Nigeria. She is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). She obtained a certificate in Project Management and PRINCE 2 Foundation from the Association for Project Management (APM), she is certified by the British International Safety Organization and the Department of Petroleum Resources in Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Environment (HSE) levels 1 to 3. She is a Dispute Resolution Specialist (DRS) certified by Dispute Resolution Association, Lagos – Nigeria, she obtained an Executive Diploma in Disaster and Risk Management from LaPlage, a Certificate of Completion of the International Computer Driver’s License (ICDL) training and she obtained a Certificate of training in fundamentals of workshop and training skills from Centre for Peace and Development Studies, Benue State University. She is currently an Administrative Officer (AO) in the Benue State University, Makurdi – Benue, serves as the Legal Adviser for Crystaland Group of Schools, Carttigan Estates and RealEssence Media House. She is the Project Manager for RH Estates and the Peace Institute Abuja who’s head quarter is in Massachusetts -USA, she is also a Research Assistant for founder and principal partner of Ares Law Firm – Abuja. She is currently the Program Officer at the Centre for Peace and development Studies, Benue State University, Makurdi.

BENJAMIN DELAHAN AKIGHIR holds a BSc in Economics from Benue State University, Makurdi. He is working with Benue State University as an administrative staff and has served in various of the university’s departments, units and centres. Apart from his assigned duties, he served as a member of the university’s promotions committee (JS&PC), he is a member of the Junior Staff Disciplinary Committee (JSDC), a member of the University Health Service Board (UHSB), and the University Committee on Information and Communication Technology. He has a certificate of training in fundamentals in workshop and training skills from Centre for Peace and Development Studies, Benue State University. He is currently the Research Officer at the Centre for Peace and Development Studies.

TERVER SAMUEL GEGE holds a Bachelor of Science Education in Mathematics from Benue State University, Makurdi – Benue and has an NCE in Mathematics Education. He is an Administrative Staff in Benue State University and has a certificate of training in fundamentals in workshop and training skills and has a certificate in Basic Computing and Internet Foundation both from Benue State University, Makurdi – Benue. He is currently the Records Officer at the Centre for Peace and Development Studies.

JOSPHINE EGWEYE AGBO holds a diploma in Public Administration, a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Management and a National Diploma (ND) in Marketing all from Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo - Benue. She is an Administrative Staff in Benue State University and has a certificate of training in fundamentals in workshop and training skills from Centre for Peace and Development Studies, Benue State University and an Executive Diploma in Disaster and Risk Management from La Plage. She is currently the Public Relations Officer for the Centre for Peace and Development Studies.

BRIEF ON THE CENTER

1. Preamble
The Centre for Peace and Development Studies was established at the Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria on July 9, 2003. In recognition of the fact that peace is desirable in all human societies; and that conflicts and development are intricately interwoven, and in line with the vision and mission of the University, the Centre was established and saddled with the mandate to research, train and coordinate activities that will enhance peace and development among local communities, among ethnic nationalities in Nigeria and among the various international communities.

2. Vision
To be a Centre of excellence in the management and analysis of conflict and a pacesetting Centre in development studies.

3. Mission
To facilitate a prosperous, united and peaceful Benue State, Nigeria and the entire global system.

4. Aim
The aim of the Centre is: To foster the society’s ability to understand the nature of conflicts and development issues as a basis for conflict management/resolution and establishment of an enabling environment for development through change in value orientation, wealth creation and improved well-being in Benue, Nigeria and beyond.

Objectives
Specifically, the aims and objectives of the new expanded centre are:
i. To undertake critical analysis on issues of peace, conflict and development.
ii. To facilitate research works on all aspects of conflict, peace and development
iii. To facilitate conflict monitoring, conflict prevention, conflict management, conflict resolution, peace keeping, peace enforcement and peace building.
iv. To facilitate development monitoring and engage in development enhancement programmes.
v. To act as a centre for documentation and information resources on conflict situations, peace and development.
vi. To publish monographs, journals, and books reflecting the result of scholarly research and analysis in matters of conflict, peace and development.
vii. To provide for a for dialogue through seminars, conferences, workshops round table discussions and lecturers on conflict, peace and development.
viii. To organize training and outreach programmes which will promote quality skills and capacities in dialogue, conflict management, peace building and development.
ix. To engage in information dissemination and capacity building through popular media on issues of conflict, peace and development.

ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE

SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES
As can be seen from the Administrative structure, the scope of activities of the centre, which will be subject to an elaborate review by management from time to time, include:

i. Research and evaluation Even though the debate on Research impact is not yet conclusive, the Benue State University in the pursuit of excellence and the mandate of engagement with the local and even the wider communities has decided to emphasis the aspect of impacting on the relevant local and wider communities by making available to them very informed and qualitative research result, training, consultancy, and even opportunities for advocacy and mediation. This emphasis therefore brings to the forefront the concept of Research Excellence Frame (REF) as the operational basis of all the Centres in the University including the Centre for Peace and Development Studies.

ii. Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, and Lectures. The centre also engages in workshops, conferences, seminars or lectures in areas of conflict and peace that are considered to be of current interest. The results of this could become documented materials for publication.

iii. Information and Documentation. The Benue State Centre for Conflicts, Peace and Development Studies is relatively new. Although we intend to start and develop a very good library in this area we are yet to have a sizeable collection. We are therefore appealing to our sister institutions for help where possible.

IMPORTANT EVENTS

RESEARCH FOCUS AND PROPOSALS
i. The research focus at the Centre now is in the area of Land use Conflicts, particularly in agricultural land use. This is a problem that has plagued many African countries and the dimension and scope is getting wider with the problem of climate change and other emerging environmental problems. At the moment the centre has developed a Research Proposal on agricultural land use conflicts in the North Central Region of Nigeria and is looking for partners and sponsors. Interested persons can contact us on the above address for more details.

ii. Another area of Research interest to the centre is in Youth Restiveness. We are currently developing a proposal to research into this area too.

B. CONFERECES AND WORKSHOPS
At the appropriate dates, when we shall have contacted the appropriate persons, we will send out call notices for the conferences on Land Use Conflicts in Africa and Youth Restiveness in Nigeria. Interested persons may wish to begin to look out for such information and/or make inquiries where and when necessary.

C. TRAING PROGRAMME
i. Already the Benue State University runs a Masters programme in Development Studies. Plans are also being made by the centre to start a Masters programme and a Diploma in Conflict Management and Peace Keeping.

ii. Workshops
* The Non-Violent Approach to conflict workshops. In line with the African Women Active Non-Violence Initiative for Social Change (AWANICH). the Centre has adopted the step down strategy of this programme which is Non-Violence Education and has organized a test training programme for a selected number of students and further intends to organize this training for other student leaders and the traditional rulers as well as political leaders too.

* A workshop on Peace keeping is also being contemplated within the near feature. Any institution that wants to partner with us in any of the above areas, is welcome and may contact us on the above address.