By: Adbulrahman Adebayo

Political Science Students’ Press Organisation, University of Ibadan, is set to hold the first edition of the Prof. Billy Dudley Annual Symposium, IndyPress can report.

According details regarding the event made available to the public by the organisers, the symposium with the theme, “Recent Military Coups in West Africa”, would hold on Thursday, 30 September 2021 at the Faculty of Social Sciences Large Lecture Theatre.

The keynote speaker at the event is Dr. Nicholas Erameh, a government relations professional and lecturer at the Department of Political Science, Chrisland University.

Another speaker expected to grace the symposium is James Ezema, the Chief Executive Officer and the Editor-in-Chief of The Street Services and Media Resources International.

Named after Billy Dudley, a former Professor and Head of Department at the institution, the programme is expected to feature a debate competition between the four departments in the Faculty and a rookie oratory contest.

Billy Dudley was one of the co-authors of the 1979 Constitution of Nigeria (since replaced, following various military coups). He is also credited with having been a major influence on the principal advisers to General Gowon in 1967, recommending that Nigeria should stay as one unitary state following the threatened secession of Biafra.

In 1996, a symposium was held at the University of Ibadan to discuss aspects of political science that were regarded as having been influenced by Billy Dudley’s writings.

On Wednesday, 27 October 2010, the University of Ibadan hosted a ceremony at the Department of Political Science for the unveiling of a memorial plaque remembering Professor Billy Dudley.