By Tolulope Eniola
All arrangements have been concluded for Professor Nnaoma Iwu, a distinguished scholar of Comparative Politics, Strategic Studies, and Conflict Resolution at Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, to deliver the institution’s 61st inaugural lecture on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
The lecture, titled “Killing the ‘gods’ of Ethnicity inhibiting Nigeria’s Journey towards Technological Innovation: Football Theory of Scientific Development to the Rescue,” will examine ways of addressing ethnic divisions as a pathway to accelerating national development and technological innovation in Nigeria.
The event is scheduled to hold at the University Multipurpose Hall at 2:00 p.m., with guests expected to be seated by 1:30 p.m. It is anticipated to attract scholars, policymakers, and students, while stimulating robust intellectual discourse.
In a statement, the Deputy Vice Chancellor and Chairman of Ceremonies, Professor Adebisi Daramola, disclosed that the Vice Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige, will chair the lecture.
Professor Iwu began his academic journey at the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science in 2000.
He proceeded to earn a Master’s degree in the same field in 2002 and later completed his PhD in Political Science in 2014.
He joined AAUA in 2014 as a Lecturer I in the Department of Political Science and rose through the ranks to become a Professor in 2023.
Beyond teaching and research, Iwu has served the university in several capacities, including Acting Head of Department, Coordinator of Postgraduate and Part-Time Programmes, and Secretary of the Local Organising Committee of the AAUA/Leeds United University (UK) Joint Public Lecture.
A prolific researcher, he has authored a book, contributed to nine scholarly books, and published 31 journal articles. He has also presented papers at 19 academic conferences within and outside Nigeria, including in Benin, the United States, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom.
Prior to joining AAUA, he taught at Tansian University, Oba; Achievers University, Owo; and Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti.
He has also served as a facilitator at the National Open University of Nigeria, Akure.
In recognition of his contributions to academia, Professor Iwu has received several awards and grants, including the Brown International Advanced Research Institutes (BIARI) Alumni Funding Grant and multiple awards of excellence from institutions where he has served.
He is a member of the Nigeria Political Science Association and the Society for Peace Studies and Practice, and is affiliated with the Knowledge Mill International Foundation.