Kaduna State University (KASU), through its Department of Political Science and International Relations, in collaboration with the National Association of Political Science Students (NAPSS) and ASIRS, Faculty of Social Sciences, College of Communication, Management and Social Sciences, has organised a public lecture on diplomatic experiences, Nigeria’s foreign policy and a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) mock summit.
The event, held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the university’s 1,000-Seater Auditorium, brought together members of the university community and students to discuss diplomacy, international relations and Nigeria’s role in global affairs.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Muhammad Bashir Ali, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi Ibrahim Musa, urged students to take advantage of the lecture to broaden their knowledge and gain practical insights into diplomatic service.
Delivering the lecture, Ambassador Muhammad Kabir Iliysu, a former Counsellor and Head of Chancery at the Nigerian Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, described the foreign service as a disciplined institution guided by established traditions and diplomatic protocols.
He highlighted Nigeria’s historical commitment to African liberation, decolonisation and the eradication of apartheid, noting that the country’s economic strength in the 1970s enhanced its diplomatic influence. He also discussed evolving regional relations, particularly the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Ambassador Iliysu stressed the need to balance national interests with international obligations, warning that decisions driven by short-term gains could undermine Nigeria’s credibility and diplomatic relationships. He also explained the principles of diplomatic immunity and the responsibilities of ambassadors in representing and protecting their countries’ interests.
The lecture featured an interactive question-and-answer session, during which participants sought clarification on diplomatic practice and the challenges of serving in foreign missions.
A major highlight of the event was the UNGA mock summit, where students demonstrated their understanding of diplomatic procedures, international negotiations and the representation of national interests, providing a practical complement to the lecture.
In his vote of thanks, the Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations, Associate Professor Haruna Yakubu Jae, appreciated the guest speaker, university management and all participants for their contributions and wished them safe journeys home.
The event reaffirmed KASU’s commitment to experiential learning and preparing students for careers in diplomacy, international relations and public service.
By: Aliyu Jama’are & Aliyu Bature