Bingham University, through the Ambassador Bulus Lolo Centre for Diplomacy, Conflict, Peace and Plural Studies (ABL Centre), in collaboration with the Department of Political Science, successfully hosted the Second Edition of the Mock African Union Summit (MAUS) on Tuesday, 30 June 2026. Held at the Faculty of Architecture Lecture Theatre, the event brought together diplomats, media executives, scholars, policymakers, development practitioners, students and distinguished guests for a day of intellectual engagement, diplomatic simulation and the celebration of the enduring legacy of the late Pan-African scholar, Professor Okello Oculi.
The summit, now one of Bingham University’s flagship experiential learning initiatives, simulated the procedures, negotiations and decision-making processes of the African Union (AU), exposing students to the practical realities of diplomacy, regional governance and multilateral engagement.
Welcoming participants, the Director of the Ambassador Bulus Lolo Centre, Dr. John Olushola Magbadelo, described the Mock African Union Summit as ‘an academic laboratory for diplomacy’, stressing that the exercise goes beyond classroom learning by equipping students with practical skills in negotiation, policy drafting, public speaking, evidence-based advocacy and diplomatic protocol.
He noted that the simulation develops students’ capacity to negotiate national interests within regional frameworks while preparing them for future careers in diplomacy, public policy and international affairs. At the event, students debated Africa’s Economic Future. This year’s summit was held under the theme: ‘Intra-African Trade: An Unrealistic Expectation?’
Twelve student delegates assumed the roles of African Heads of State and continental leaders, representing Nigeria, Morocco, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger, Zimbabwe, Kenya, the Kingdom of Lesotho, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda, and the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, while another delegate represented the President of Nigeria during the summit proceedings.
The delegates delivered presidential speeches, participated in plenary debates, and adopted resolutions in line with African Union protocols, examining the prospects and challenges of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Their discussions focused on regional integration, industrialisation, infrastructure, trade barriers, and the balance between national sovereignty and continental cooperation.
The Special Guest of Honour, the Executive Director of News at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr Ayo Adewuyi, represented by Mr Muhammed Ali, Deputy Director (News), commended Bingham University for exposing students to practical diplomacy through the simulation of African Union summit procedures.
He observed that the initiative would significantly improve students’ public speaking abilities, deepen their understanding of regional governance, and prepare them for future diplomatic engagements and related professional careers.
He further praised the Ambassador Bulus Lolo Centre for Diplomacy, Conflict, Peace and Plural Studies and the Department of Political Science for honouring the memory of Professor Okello Oculi, describing the posthumous recognition as a fitting tribute to a scholar whose vision transformed diplomatic education in Nigerian universities.
Also delivering a special message on behalf of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Mrs Olabisi S. Onoja, Principal Diaspora Officer, conveyed the Commission’s goodwill and apologies for the Chairman’s unavoidable absence due to official engagements outside the country.
In her message, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa commended the Ambassador Bulus Lolo Centre and the Department of Political Science for organising an initiative that equips students with practical knowledge in diplomacy, negotiation and policy-making.
Describing the summit’s theme as timely and relevant, she maintained that intra-African trade is not an unrealistic expectation but a strategic necessity for Africa’s economic transformation. She noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area offers unprecedented opportunities for job creation, industrial growth and reduced dependence on external markets, provided African countries strengthen collaboration, trust and policy coordination.
She also highlighted the critical contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora to national development through expertise, investment and innovation, encouraging students to embrace platforms such as the Mock African Union Summit as preparation for future leadership roles.
‘You are the future diplomats, leaders and policy drivers of Africa. Think boldly, engage meaningfully and develop solutions that will shape Africa’s future.’
A major highlight of the summit was the Posthumous Honour conferred on the late Professor Okello Oculi, widely regarded as the pioneer of the Mock African Union Summit model in Nigerian universities.
A biographical tribute was delivered by Professor I. S. Zabadi, who described Professor Oculi as a visionary Pan-African scholar whose intellectual legacy continues to inspire diplomatic education and youth leadership across the country. Thereafter, Ambassador Bulus Lolo, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Haruna Kuje Ayuba, presented a Posthumous Plaque of Honour to Madam Debrah Ogazuma, the widow of the late Professor Okello Oculi, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Pan-African scholarship, diplomatic education and youth development.
The ceremony was attended by members of Professor Oculi’s biological, academic, social and political families, including Dr. Emman Usman Shehu, Mr. John Ogazuma, Dr. Eddie Bako, Mr. Simbabi Baikie, Mr. Ado Baikie, Mr. Tunde Jacobs, Mrs. Iyanuoluwa Jacobs, Mr. Sembene Yusuf Oculi, and Madam Debrah Ogazuma, the widow of the late Professor Oculi.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr. Emman Usman Shehu commended the students for their impressive diplomatic performances, noting that they had justified and glorified Professor Oculi’s vision of preparing young Africans for leadership through experiential learning.
‘The vision of Professor Okello Oculi has been justified and glorified by the collective performance of these students,’ he remarked, adding that ‘the spirit of Professor Okello Oculi in this hall is pleased with what these students have demonstrated.’
Sembene Yusuf Oculi, the son of the late Prof Oculi, also expressed gratitude to Bingham University on behalf of the family for honouring and acknowledging his father’s legacy.
The event attracted other dignitaries, including Professor Dul Johnson, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Bingham University; Professors Samuel Odoma, D. B. Orbunde, Desmond Okocha, Prisca Godspower; Associate Professor Joseph Shawai; Dr Sebastine Abu; Dr Sarah Ajiya; Ms Peace Bankole; and Dr. Bamidele Ibrahim Kogbe, Visiting Researcher at the International Centre for Policing and Security, University of South Wales, United Kingdom, and Adjunct Faculty Member of the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN). Also in attendance were several academics and students of Bingham University.
The programme featured a special performance by students of Anglican Girls Grammar School, Abuja; goodwill messages from invited guests; and a vote of thanks delivered by Associate Professor Robert Sabo.
The event concluded with a group photograph, marking another successful edition of the Mock African Union Summit.
The 2026 summit further strengthened Bingham University’s reputation as a hub for experiential learning, diplomatic education and policy dialogue, through the Ambassador Bulus Lolo Centre for Diplomacy, Conflict, Peace and Plural Studies, which works to prepare a new generation of African leaders equipped to advance diplomacy, regional integration, peace and sustainable development across the continent.