Centre for Politics,
University of Port Harcourt
The Centre for Politics (CfP) at University of Port Harcourt believes in the central and positive role of politics in driving change in society.
The Centre is a non-partisan and neutral platform with a mandate to promote active participation of citizens in politics, governance and leadership. It seeks to make politics more responsive to the needs of society in the context of democracy and community development. To achieve this, the Centre is open to collaborations with civil society organisations, universities, research centres, governments, youth-based organisations, international organisations, religious bodies, women groups, politicians, political parties, funders, and many others who see politics as the critical element in the development of society. The centre’s key focus is on ethical and transformative politics.
Flagship Activities
Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI)
Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI): This initiative aims at promoting youth involvement in politics, governance and leadership. Generally, it seeks to catch young people early by providing them with opportunities to be more active in politics in their communities through learning, training, and mirroring of appropriate political roles. The idea here is that young people should be seen as the population with the potential to shape the direction of politics, governance and leadership. Hence, enhancing their political skills, civic education and citizenship to participate in political processes has many advantages for making politics more valuable to society.
Public Lecture Series (PLS):
Public lectures organised by the Centre for Politics are intended to attract scholars and experts in politics, governance and leadership to deal with issues of local, national and international relevance with the aim of contributing in practical terms to the discourses on solutions to the problems. The lectures are also planned to provide opportunities for exchange of ideas and practical learning.
Political and Governance Skills Development Initiative (PGSDI):
This entails a number of consulting activities and services with the political class, youth-based organisations, local and international political mediation, and other interventions to address challenges including management of elections, voting education, support for government policies and programmes at local, state, national government and specific agencies of government , as well as work with international organisations and foreign governments to strengthen collaborative governance.
Research and Analysis:
The Centre does not believe in research and analysis that have no bearing on change in society. It focuses on research and analysis that are practical and problem-solving.
Post-Graduate Programmes:
As part of its formal Teaching and Learning (T&L) mandate, the Centre runs approved postgraduate programmes in politics at various levels (Post-Graduate Diploma, Masters, and Doctorate degrees).
Doctor of Philosophy in Politics
Areas of Specialisation:
- Public Policy Process
- African Politics
- Legislative Process
- Election and Campaign Management
