Testimonials
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Frequently asked questions
We now have an FAQ list that we hope will help you answer some of the more common ones.
1. Who is the founder of AAIPSDS?
The Institute is founded by the former Head of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Gen. Abdulsalami A. Abubakar, GCFR, CSG, as a response to the enormous challenges confronting Africa in the 21st century.
2. When was AAIPSDS established?
AAIPSDS was established in 2002 after due consultations by the collaborating partners. During this period, the curriculum for its first academic programme, the Professional Diploma in Peace and Development Studies was developed and also the physical and administrative structures were put in place. The programme took off during the 2003/2004 academic session.
3. What is the philosophy behind the establishment of AAIPSDS?
The pervasive nature of conflict, insecurity, and under-development in the post cold war period has had far reaching implications for peace and development in Africa. In Africa today, the number of people without access to opportunities, and resources is on the increase. Wars and internal conflicts are destroying lives and properties as well as creating millions of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The failure of many African states to provide human security and human development, the increasing marginalisation of Africa by forces of globalization, the inadequacies of dominant approaches to the management and transformation of African conflicts, as well as the collapse of traditional conflict management mechanisms have all made it necessary to develop innovative development and conflict transformation models suitable to Africa’s socio-cultural environment.
The Abdulsalami Abubakar Institute for Peace and Sustainable Development Studies (AAIPSDS) is therefore a response to the need for innovative, effective, and efficient Afrocentric conflict transformation and development methodologies. Thus, the core philosophy of the Institute is succinctly encapsulated in the statement of the former United Nations Secretary –General Mr. Kofi Annan that “The prevention of conflict begins and ends with the promotion of human security and human development” It aims to develop these through research and by equipping a core of African practitioners with the intellectual and practical skills to identify, prevent or transform potential conflicts for sustainable development and human security.
4. What kind of training programmes does AAIPSDS offer?
Currently, AAIPSDS have packaged 3 major programmes which include the following:
- Long-Term Courses
- Short-Term Courses
- Special Packaged Programmes
5. Why has AAIPSDS structured its training programmes in the present format?
AAIPSDS has uniquely structured its training programmes to suit the needs of varied groups and organisations. It offers opportunities through its short residencies to combine personal needs, career and education.
6. Why should I study at AAIPSDS?
- A unique mixed blend of the academia and professionals on the field as resource persons
- Focused programmes with a wide range of areas of specialization for participants/students
- Short residencies that offers opportunities to combine personal needs, career and education.
- Provide opportunities to balance theory and practice through a well organized internship/practicum programmes
- Adopts a variety of delivery methods with the adult learner in mind such that learning is meaningful and enduring
- An Academic Advisory Board of reputable leaders in the field
- The campus is located in a state with many tourist attractions
- Participants/students enjoy a low student-teacher ratio (Approximately 2:1)
7. What is the nature of faculty at AAIPSDS?
AAIPSDS faculty are leading professors and professionals from different disciplines with great wealth of experience in their chosen field. AAIPSDS doesn’t employ directly but rather the faculty teaches on a regular short term basis under a contractual agreement. Thus, they are usually drawn from varied institutions, and organisations with different specialities.
8. What kind of facilities are available at AAIPSDS?
- Conducive lectures & seminar rooms
- Learning resource centre with internet connectivity
- A quite and serene environment
9. What do I stand to benefit from AAIPSDS training programmes?
- A unique holistic approach to learning which offers opportunities with direct practice.
- Provide insight and understanding to innovative, efficient and effective Afrocentric Conflict transformation and development methodologies
- Identify sources of conflict & threats to human security and development
- Recognize and manage conflict at different levels among varied groups
- Enhance skills & provide sound knowledge base in responding to the challenges in mediation, International Civilian Peacekeeping, Emergency and Disaster Management among others.
10. What kinds of job opportunities are available after a Professional Diploma in Peace & Development Studies?
Indeed, this is an issue of serious concern among prospective students who are interested in pursuing a course in peace and development studies. It is a vast discipline, it also depend on the area of specialisation and interest of individual prospective students. Opportunities could include government agencies, civil society organisations, or international and regional bodies. For more information see career paths.