Prof. Pate to Lead the Way as Expert Unveils Strategies for Peace in Troubled Lake Chad Region at Prestigious Conference

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Modibbo Adama University (MAU) in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria, is hosting a significant international conference on “The Fombina Area of Lake Chad Region Since 1809: Issues in Peace, Security and Development,” starting today. Organized by MAU’s Centre for Peace and Security Studies (CPSS) and the Fombina Studies Association (FSA), the event will run from Monday, May 26, to Wednesday, May 28, 2025, with departure scheduled for Thursday, May 29.

The conference, held at MAU’s campus, brings together scholars, policymakers, and stakeholders to address the historical and contemporary challenges of the Lake Chad region, a critical area facing issues of insurgency, environmental degradation, and socio-economic instability.

The Lake Chad Basin, spanning Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger, has been a focal point of regional conflict, notably due to the Boko Haram insurgency, which has displaced millions and disrupted development since the early 2010s.

His extensive research on media’s role in conflict resolution and community engagement has made him a leading voice in addressing the socio-political dynamics of Northern Nigeria

Delivering the keynote address is Prof. Umaru A. Pate, a renowned scholar from the Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State. Prof. Pate, a distinguished academic in communication and conflict studies, is expected to set the tone for the conference with his insights on fostering peace and sustainable development in the region. His extensive research on media’s role in conflict resolution and community engagement has made him a leading voice in addressing the socio-political dynamics of Northern Nigeria.

Joining him as the lead paper presenter is Prof. Saibou Issa from the University of Maroua, Cameroon, whose work focuses on historical and cultural perspectives of the Lake Chad area. The conference aims to explore solutions to the region’s challenges, including the shrinking of Lake Chad, which has lost over 90% of its surface area since the 1960s, exacerbating resource conflicts and insecurity.

Participants arrived on Sunday, May 25, and the event promises to foster critical dialogue on the region’s future. As the Lake Chad crisis continues to demand global attention, Prof. Pate’s address is anticipated to offer actionable strategies for peace building and development, drawing on his deep expertise in the field.

Read Also: Over 800 Media Leaders Attend WNMC25 in Kraków; Prof Pate Represents Nigeria