Nigeria’s Insecurity Requires Interdisciplinary Approach, Says Adogame
Funmi Ogundare A Professor of Religion and Society at Princeton Theological Seminary, New Jersey, United States, Afe Adogame, has called for holistic and interdisciplinary approach to insecurity in Nigeria that
Professor Afe Adogame, a Religion and Society expert from Princeton Theological Seminary, has urged a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to Nigeria's security issues. At the 2026 African Universities Seminar Series conference in Nigeria, Adogame argued that political, economic, religious, social, historical, and structural factors all contribute to the country's security challenges.
He emphasized the need for researchers to explore these issues from various angles rather than relying on a single theory or approach. Adogame highlighted kidnapping as an example of the complex nature of Nigeria's insecurity, stating that it cannot be explained by a single factor. He called for research into both the underlying and immediate causes of kidnapping, as well as the factors that perpetuate it.
By examining the historical development of kidnapping and related practices, researchers can gain valuable insights into the current security crisis. Adogame also stressed the importance of considering specific case studies and the social and cultural contexts surrounding conflicts. He urged scholars to examine individual incidents in their unique environments to gain a deeper understanding of the situation.
The professor challenged conventional notions of security, arguing that some measures touted as evidence of security may actually highlight the depth of insecurity in society. He cited the extensive security measures surrounding political leaders as an example, stating that the presence of numerous police and military personnel does not equate to genuine security.
Adogame emphasized that true security should enable citizens to live without fear. The Director of the African Peacebuilding and Developmental Dynamics program at the Social Science Research Council, New York, Cyril Obi, announced the creation of a new entity comprising former and current APDD fellows. The initiative aims to foster an intellectual agenda tailored to Nigeria's national context while expanding collaboration among Nigerian and African scholars and practitioners.
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