SNOW TV NEWS DESK
A professor of international relations at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Charles Ukeje, has urged the Federal Government to adopt a diplomatic and sympathetic approach towards South Africa over the recent xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals, warning against measures that could further strain relations between both countries.
Ukeje argued that although the attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals were deeply regrettable, South Africa was also facing difficult circumstances that required understanding and constructive engagement rather than punitive action.
He made the remarks during a press conference organized to announce activities marking the 50th anniversary of OAU’s Department of International Relations.
The university don recalled Nigeria’s significant contributions, alongside other African countries, to the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, insisting that the sacrifices made by African nations should have fostered stronger bonds of solidarity across the continent.
According to him, one major factor contributing to the problem is the failure of successive South African governments to adequately educate younger generations about the support and sacrifices other African countries made during the anti-apartheid struggle.
He argued that greater awareness of this shared history could have encouraged ordinary South Africans to see other Africans as brothers rather than foreigners or competitors.
Ukeje said Nigeria should not abandon its longstanding commitment to African solidarity because of the actions or hostility of some South African citizens.
He maintained that Africa remains central to Nigeria’s foreign policy and that the country has an important responsibility to demonstrate leadership through diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation.
“I think Nigeria has the responsibility to continue to see itself as a leader on the continent. I think that role for Nigeria is perhaps more important today than it was anytime,” he said.
He further urged the Federal Government not to wield the big stick against South Africa but to recognize the challenges confronting the country and respond with sympathy, despite the hostility some of its citizens have displayed towards Nigerians.
OAU International Relations Department Celebrates 50 Years
Meanwhile, the Head of OAU’s Department of International Relations, Professor Victoria Akinyemi, said the department had played an important role in developing professionals and experts who contribute to Nigeria’s foreign policy over the past five decades.
She described the anniversary as an opportunity to celebrate the department’s achievements while preparing it for the changing demands of international relations.
Akinyemi noted that today’s global environment is significantly different from the Cold War era of the 1960s and 1970s, when the department was established.
She identified geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, climate change, rising nationalism, democratic challenges, and emerging security threats as some of the issues reshaping international relations.
She added that the department would continue investing in research, curriculum development, innovation, and modern technology to produce graduates capable of competing in an increasingly complex global environment.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
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