Baze University Students Embark on Study Tour to United Nations Office in Abuja
Fourth-year students from the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy, Baze University, Abuja, recently undertook an educational study tour to the United Nations Office in Nigeria, gaining firsthand insight into global diplomacy, peacebuilding, and youth engagement.
The delegation was led by Associate Professor Christian Tsaro Dii, Study Tour Coordinator Dr Khalifa Mohammed mni, and Student Affairs Officer Musa Yelwa. The team arrived at the UN headquarters at 10:00 a.m. for a full-day learning session designed to connect classroom theory with real-world international practice. The students were drawn from IRD 409 United Nations and World Affairs and IRD 410 International Economic Relations.
Upon arrival, the students were welcomed by UN staff and taken through a well-structured programme that began with documentaries on the First and Second World Wars, including the rise of Adolf Hitler. These historical insights provided important context for discussions on global peace and security.
A major highlight of the visit was a comprehensive briefing on the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Agenda, a UN framework that positions young people at the centre of conflict prevention and nation-building. Peacebuilding officers also outlined ongoing UN interventions in Nigeria, including pilot projects in Niger, Nasarawa, and Kaduna states.
Students participated in an engaging session with the UN Information Integrity Officer, who discussed cybersecurity, cybercrime, and the dangers of misinformation. The session highlighted the relevance of credible information in a digital age where false narratives can escalate tensions and undermine peace efforts.
Throughout the tour, students interacted with UN officials, asked questions on global governance and peace negotiations, and explored the responsibilities of young people in promoting security within their communities.
The visit reinforced their academic understanding of international relations while providing practical exposure to how the UN operates in peace and security initiatives. It also deepened their appreciation of the YPS Agenda, the importance of information integrity, and the lessons that past global conflicts hold for present-day peacebuilding.
Students described the experience as enriching and timely, especially as Nigeria explores more youth-led approaches to strengthening national unity.
The Department of International Relations and Diplomacy emphasized that the study tour reflects its commitment to producing graduates who understand and can apply global diplomatic principles. The visit demonstrated how international policies such as the YPS Agenda are implemented in Nigeria and how young people can contribute meaningfully to peace and development efforts.
The department expressed its intention to continue fostering such engagements and to encourage greater student participation in UN-led programmes that promote youth involvement in national development.