Akwa Ibom State University Don, Prof. OtoAbasi Akpan, has advocated creating office of the Historian-General at different levels and promoting the discipline of History by the government and citizens of Nigeria in order to facilitate the realisation of peace, security and development in Nigeria since History has the capacity to use knowledge of the past to un-puzzle the present so as to polish the future in any subject. Prof. Akpan made the call while presenting the 5th Inaugural Lecture on the topic: 'Thinking The Thinkable for Gatekeepers at Gateways: Integrated Security Doctrine and Emerging Threats in Nigeria' held at the University Main Campus, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Thursday, June 27, 2024.

The Inaugural Lecturer explained that history is a continuous process of dialogue between the past and the present; history of ideas is mostly concerned with human thoughts and historical developments arising from such thoughts; intellectual history deals more with critical thinking expressed in the text produced by intellectuals; International Security Studies (ISS) which relates to strategic studies, military science, intelligence, diplomatic, peace and environmental studies is an academic sub-field within the disciplines of both international relations and international studies.

Prof. Akpan asserted that gatekeeper is a system that controls access to something and gatekeepers are the guardians of the state and its institutions, which include public and civil service, military and paramilitary establishments, the intelligence and research community, chief executive officers, heads of state or government and other persons, hence the need to have sterling qualities of integrity, alertness, self-discipline and commitment. He added that gateways are key stopping points for all manner of things or materials on their way to or from other systems; security is seen absolutely in terms of the physical protection of nation-states from external military threats such as aggression, espionage and sabotage.

The Don who is a Professor of History of Ideas and International Security Studies, Faculty of Arts, Akwa Ibom State University noted that without security, a people cannot develop and direct their human and material resources towards greater production. He recommended that all tiers of governments should have office(s) of the Historian-General in the offices of the President, Governors and Local Government Chairmen. “The forces and, indeed, lessons of history are needed in Nigeria now than ever to act as compasses toward effective nation-building, citizenry and emergence of statesmen,’ he emphasised 

In his opening remarks, The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nse U. Essien noted that the Inaugural Lecturer is an erudite scholar and an expert in security studies who once served as a visiting scholar at the National War College, Abuja while on sabbatical leave. He gave assurance that considering his pedigree, the lecture will be an insightful and interesting exposition, on how to arrest the scourge of insecurity in Nigeria.

Goodwill messages were given by: Chief of Defense Staff, Major General Christopher Gwabin Musa, represented by the Commander, 2 Brigade, Uyo, Brigadier General J. Ibrahim; Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration Service, Akwa Ibom State Command, J. D. Babson, represented by the Assistant Comptroller, Aquasama Onono; Hon. Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Ekanem; the Commissioner, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Service Commission, Obong Godwin Awah (Ph.D);  International President, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akparawa James Edet and wife of the Akwa Ibom State Accountant-General, Mrs. Imaobong Andrew Essien. A gift presentation was also made to the Inaugural Lecturer by staff from the Department of History and International Studies, AKSU.

Prof. OtoAbasi Akpan is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Akwa Ibom State University. He has twenty seven years of teaching, research and community service in the University system where he has taught more than 3,000 students, some of which are foreign. He has published numerous journal articles and conference papers. He obtained his Ph.D in Diplomatic History in 2003 from the University of Port Harcourt; M.A. in History of Ideas from the University of Ibadan and MSc. in International Relations and Strategic Studies from the University of Jos; Bachelor of Arts in History in 1984 from the University of Calabar. He is the International President, College of Professors in Nigeria (COPIN). He had served previously as Dean, Faculty of Arts; Director, International Collaborations and Linkages; Head, Department of History and International Studies, all in Akwa Ibom State University. He is happily married with children.

In a vote of thanks, the Registrar, Dr. Ebi G. Eno-Ibanga, FNIM gave glory to God for the clement weather and protection. She expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for initiating the Inaugural Lecture Series and the University Management for the support. She appreciated the Inaugural Lecturer for the enlightening discussion. She thanked the Chairman and members of the Inaugural Lecture Planning Committee, all the guests, staff, students and well-wishers for their presence and contributions towards making the event a success and wished all safe journey to their destinations. 

Present at the lecture were: the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Ita Ewa-Oboho; Bursar, Dr. Jacob Eseneyen; Head of Campus, Obio Akpa, Prof. Nkanikpo Ibok; other Officials and members of the University and Host Community. Other dignitaries were: Member representing Uyo State Constituency, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Security, Youth and Sports, Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno on Branding and Marketing, Mr. Raphael Edem; Head, Department of History, University of Uyo, Dr. Nkereuwem David Edemekong; Prof. Victor Etim Mathias, University of Cape Coast, Ghana; Obom Tony Esu. Family members of the Inaugural Lecturer: Apostle Anietie Akpan; Engr. Mbosowo Akpan; Prof. Itoro Akpan; former Chairman, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Arch. Ekpe James, lecturers from visiting Universities; political office and traditional title holders; friends; well-wishers also attended the event.