In a bid to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Covenant University recently hosted its first Town and Gown seminar of the year. The event, themed, ‘Searching for Identity in a Wild, Wide World,’ sparked insightful discussions on identity formation in an ever-evolving global landscape.

The seminar held at the College of Leadership and Development Studies Conference Room, provided a rare opportunity for students to engage with industry professionals on the complexities of personal and collective identity. The keynote speaker, Miss Onyinye Onyemobi, a Program Associate at the West Africa Ford Foundation, brought a wealth of experience in human rights, youth empowerment, peace, and security to the discourse.

Welcoming students and faculty, to the event, the Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations, Dr. Felix Chidozie, underscored the significance of the seminar, particularly for 100-level students experiencing their first Town and Gown event. He noted that identity remains a pressing issue for individuals, nations, and international bodies like ECOWAS and the United Nations.

Dr. Chidozie emphasized that the Town and Gown initiative serves as an invaluable platform where professionals (‘the Town’) share real-world insights with students (‘the Gown’). He highlighted the numerous benefits of such engagements, including networking, mentorship, and career development, reaffirming Covenant University’s commitment to excellence by inviting only distinguished professionals.

Miss Onyemobi opened her presentation by applauding Covenant University’s school anthem, particularly the phrase "God’s own arrow shot for glory." She described identity as a fundamental struggle many people face, emphasizing that self-perception is constantly evolving.

Breaking down identity into three layers—core identity, chosen identity, and given identity—she urged students to anchor their self-worth in their core identity rather than societal expectations. She cautioned against defining oneself based on external validation or past experiences, asserting, "Who you are and the work you do have value."

Miss Onyemobi further reinforced the university’s reputation for excellence by citing the example of a Covenant University student who had excelled during an internship with her organization. She highlighted that hard work and dedication are key factors in securing professional opportunities.

Urging students to embrace leadership, she stressed the importance of resilience, problem-solving skills, and staying informed about global affairs. She encouraged students to see challenges as opportunities for growth, remarking, "Your contributions, no matter how small, can make a significant difference."

She also underscored the role of faith in personal development, advising students to cultivate a strong relationship with God as a source of direction in their quest for identity. Using her own journey as an example, she explained that success is not defined by social media portrayals but by consistent hard work, faith, and perseverance.

During the interactive question-and-answer session, students and faculty posed thought-provoking questions, which Miss Onyemobi addressed with practical insights. She urged students to remain observant, respect boundaries, and steer clear of negative influences. Particularly addressing young women, she encouraged them to develop their skills, recognize their worth, and maintain high personal and professional standards.

On professional development, she emphasized the importance of networking and preparation, stating, "Your networking power depends on your positive behavior and attitude." She assured students of her commitment to helping secure internship placements in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), providing them with crucial industry exposure.

Professor Daniel Gberevbie delivered the closing remarks, reflecting on the consequences of identity crises, particularly in Africa. He remarked, "Poverty is not a problem, but dying poor is a big problem," stressing the need for self-actualization and personal growth. He expressed confidence that the seminar had equipped students with renewed perspectives on identity and career advancement.

The seminar saw attendance from faculty members, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and key stakeholders within the department. Beyond enriching students’ understanding of identity, the event reinforced the importance of leadership, resilience, and faith in achieving personal and professional success.

With such impactful engagements, the Department of Political Science and International Relations continues to prepare students for the complexities of the modern world, ensuring they graduate not just with academic knowledge but with real-world insights that will shape their futures.