Kaduna State University (KASU): Official Announcement of the 17th Professorial Inaugural Lecture

The Vice-Chancellor of Kaduna State University, Professor Abdullahi I. Musa, on behalf of the University Senate and Management, has formally announced the 17th Professorial Inaugural Lecture of the institution. This prestigious academic event serves as a milestone in the university's research calendar, providing a platform for a distinguished professor to share the cumulative findings of their scholarship with both the academic community and the wider public. As KASU continues to establish itself as a center of intellectual rigor in Northern Nigeria, this lecture highlights the university's commitment to exploring diverse religious and cultural perspectives to address contemporary national challenges.

The Inaugural Lecturer and Scholarly Profile

The 17th lecture in this series will be delivered by Professor Solomon Ochepa Oduma-Aboh, a renowned scholar and Professor of African Traditional Religion and Culture. Professor Oduma-Aboh holds his academic lineage from Benue State University, an institution recently renamed as Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi. Currently serving within the Department of Christian Religious Studies under the Faculty of Arts at Kaduna State University, Professor Oduma-Aboh has spent decades researching the intersection of indigenous belief systems and modern societal structures. His work is recognized for its ability to synthesize complex theological concepts into practical frameworks for social harmony.

Thematic Focus: Cosmic Balance and Communal Living

The theme of the lecture is “Cosmic Balance and Communal Living: African Traditional Religion and Peaceful Co-Existence in Nigeria.” This discourse arrives at a critical juncture in Nigerian history, where inter-religious and inter-ethnic dialogue are essential for national stability. Professor Oduma-Aboh intends to examine the philosophical underpinnings of African Traditional Religion (ATR), particularly its core concept of "cosmic harmony." The lecture will argue that the indigenous African worldview, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of the spiritual, human, and natural realms, offers unique insights into fostering peaceful coexistence in a pluralistic society. By revisiting these traditional values, the speaker aims to provide a scholarly template for conflict resolution and communal unity in Nigeria.

Event Logistics and Virtual Participation

The university has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure that the lecture is accessible to a global audience, reflecting the modern academic shift toward hybrid participation.

Date: Thursday, 26th March 2026
Time: 2:00 PM Prompt (Nigerian Local Time)
Venue: 1000-Seater Auditorium, Kaduna State University Main Campus
Virtual Access: Participants can join via Zoom (Meeting ID: 258 704 9271 Passcode: 123456)

This hybrid format allows scholars from across the African continent and the international community to engage with Professor Oduma-Aboh’s findings without the constraints of physical travel. The university’s ICT directorate has been tasked with ensuring a seamless digital broadcast to maintain the interactive nature of the question-and-answer session that typically follows the presentation.

Invitation to the Academic and Religious Community

The Vice-Chancellor has extended a specific invitation to religious leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders in the peace-building sector. Given the lecture’s focus on African Traditional Religion and its relevance to Christian and Islamic coexistence, the event is expected to attract a diverse group of theologians and cultural anthropologists. Students of the Faculty of Arts and social sciences are also strongly encouraged to attend, as the lecture provides a practical example of how academic research can be applied to solve real-world problems. For the university community, the inaugural lecture is a day of celebration, marking the academic "coronation" of one of its finest minds.

Administrative Directives for the Ceremony

As is tradition with inaugural lectures at KASU, the academic procession will be led by the Vice-Chancellor and members of the University Senate. All Professors within the university are expected to be robed in their full academic regalia and join the procession by 1:45 PM. The Registrar’s office has confirmed that all administrative measures are in place to ensure a dignified and intellectually stimulating atmosphere. Members of the public are advised to arrive early at the 1000-Seater Auditorium to secure seating, as a high turnout is anticipated from both within the state and from neighboring academic institutions.

Summary of the Academic Significance

Professorial Inaugural Lectures at Kaduna State University are more than just presentations; they are a public testament to the quality of research being conducted within the institution. By hosting Professor Oduma-Aboh’s lecture, KASU reaffirms its role as a leader in the humanities, providing the intellectual space necessary for deep conversations on religion, culture, and national identity. The university looks forward to welcoming all guests to this landmark event as it continues to strive for excellence in education and communal service.