Lagos: The Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) on Friday inaugurated the Richard Joseph Learning Centre to provide a new platform for pushing forward the agenda of Africa's success. NIIA's Director-General, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, said at the event that African or international affairs would always have an intellectual and knowledge-driven foundation. He also noted that the centre would provide such knowledge and was established inside NIIA's library in Lagos State, in honour of Prof. Richard Joseph.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Joseph is one of the foremost political scientists, focusing on African governance, political economy, and democratisation. He is a John Evans Emeritus Professor of Northwestern University and an Honorary Fellow of New College, Oxford University. Osaghae emphasized that Africa could not move forward without intellectual exchanges, highlighting that great ideas would have to come from crucibles such as the Richard Joseph Learning Centre.
Osaghae further highlighted Joseph's dedication to Africa's development and his belief in the continent's potential for greatness. "This legacy project is a platform for exchange of ideas and engagement in robust debates about development," he stated. Osaghae challenged the current state of Africa, urging action to propel the continent and Nigeria to where they should be. He remarked that the world now realizes that little can be achieved without Africa and that efforts will not cease until Africa truly becomes great.
The centre is seen as a new foundation for hope, building, and resetting the agenda to make contributions to global debates. Prof. Richard Joseph expressed that the centre would strengthen ideas and have an impact beyond Nigeria and Africa. He noted that the institution would focus on manifesting, declaring, and expanding values and principles, including constitutional government and concern for the underprivileged.
Joseph acknowledged the determination and resilience required over the years for the establishment of the centre, demonstrating belief in Nigeria and the involvement of many citizens in the struggle for what Nigeria could be. On the future of Africa, Joseph expressed optimism that current challenges would be overcome, drawing from his experiences with various movements, including civil rights and anti-colonial movements. NAN reports that NIIA received 77 cartons of books and other publications from Joseph at the event, and efforts are ongoing to secure grants for the centre's sustainability.