The Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Lagos State University (LASU), on Thursday held its July edition of the Departmental Seminar Series, themed “German-Nigerian Bilateral Relations” at the Prof. Abubakar Momoh Moot Parliament, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, LASU Main Campus, Ojo.
The event which played host to a high-level diplomatic and academics including the Consul-General of Germany to Nigeria, Weert Börner, who delivered a compelling guest lecture on “German-Nigerian Bilateral Relations.”
The event also drew a diverse audience of students, faculty members, and distinguished guests who came to explore the deepening ties between Nigeria and Germany.
Opening the event, the Acting Head of the Department of Political Science, Dr. Abdul-Wasi Moshood, emphasized the role of diplomacy in academic engagement.
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The Dean of the Faculty and principal host, Prof. Olufemi Adigun Lawal, highlighted LASU’s commitment to bridging academia with global policy and praised the longstanding cooperation between both nations in education, governance, and energy.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Taiwo Oseni Afisi, reaffirmed LASU’s goal of being a centre for global academic dialogue.
She extended appreciation to the Consul-General for his insightful engagement with the university community.
Mr. Börner, in his presentation, provided a detailed account of the historical, economic, cultural, and socio-political dimensions of Germany-Nigeria relations.
Key areas he highlighted included: “The return of Benin artefacts in 2022 – a major cultural milestone, Nigeria’s status as Germany’s second-largest African trading partner, with $3 billion in trade volume, Over 90 German companies operating in Nigeria, contributing to local employment and development, Stronger cooperation in climate action, education, and democratic governance and Growing diaspora and cultural exchange between both countries
Mr Börner also acknowledged Germany’s support for Nigeria’s creative sector, referencing investments in the Nollywood industry and local product development by firms such as Beiersdorf and Symrise.
The event featured a session where students and faculty engaged the Consul-General on topics such as foreign policy, educational exchanges, and collaborative research.
Dignitaries present at the seminar included the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Olufunso Omobitan; former Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Kayode Soremekun; and other notable academic members of the university, including representatives from the LASU Centre for Information and Public Relations (CIPR).
The highlight of the event is the presentation of gifts and souvenirs to Mr. Börner by the Vice-Chancellor, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and the Head of the Department of Political Science, followed by group photo sessions.
This seminar deepened academic understanding of international relations and underscored LASU’s commitment to global engagement and excellence.
BV.
