The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu has called for expansion of the scope of learning in the Political Science curriculum. Prof. Akpagu made the call during the 32nd Annual Conference of Nigeria Political Science Association (NPSA) held at the Institution’s International Conference Centre. While declaring the conference open, the Vice Chancellor welcomed the participants to the university and commended the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Chairman, for ensuring the success of the event. Prof. Akpagu who was represented by the Chairman, Committee of Deans and Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, UNICAL, Prof. Ndem Ayara, expressed delight over the choice of hosting the Annual conference in Calabar, adding that, the theme of the conference, “Governance, Security and Elections in Nigeria” was very apt. The Vice Chancellor said experts from the Political Sciences were capable of discussing important issues that pertain to institutions and the nation, even as he disclosed that the department of Political Science has widened their scope of learning by not only establishing Public Administration programme but also, Peace and Conflict Studies. Similarly, the Chairman, LOC who is also the Head, Department of Political Science, UNICAL, Dr. Atelhe G. Atelhe, in his welcome address, hinted that the annual conference which has now become a hall mark for national discourse is built to explore assorted knowledge, systems, values and principles so as to embrace or adopt diversification in charting a new course to issues in the Nigeria polity. Dr. Atelhe said, the prospects of the discourse will offer an opportunity to dissect the nation’s problems and explore the episodes of democratic history and proffer solutions. Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion who was also the Former National President, Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Kimse Okoko expressed delight over the presence of well-meaning and highly esteemed persons that will examine the affairs of the nation and proffer solutions. Prof. Okoko who is also the former Chairman, Governing Council of the University of Uyo, lauded the participants for believing in the existence of the unity of the nation and remaining steadfast while advising them to continue in their role of being political scientists to the nation. According to him,” the political scientist should play the role of conscience of the nation by being ready to speak the truth at all times. “ In the same vein, the National President, NPSA, Professor Aloysius-Michael Okolie, in his address, called on Nigerians and good friends of the country to close ranks and support the good political leaders in their bid to steer the ship of the country out of the murky waters of despondency, governance deficits and raging insecurity. He further spoke on the issue of the Rural Gracing Area (RUGA) project, economic transformation, 2019 General Election, Restructuring of the Nigerian Political Economy, continuous incarceration of Chiboks Girls and Leah Sharibu, separatist and secessionist Agitations, as well as, Nigeria External Relations. Professor Okolie appreciated the Vice Chancellor and his team for hosting the conference, just as he commended him for his overwhelming support, encouragement and hospitality towards the participant. He said that his support shows his commitment towards the promotion of academic discourse aimed at germinating, nurturing and instigating human capacity development for social transmogrification. The event featured keynote address by the Vice President, International Political Sciences Association (IPSA) and a Professor of African Politics and International Relations, Department of Political Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa, Prof. Christopher Isike, while the lead paper presenter was the Former Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Prof. Eghosa Osaghare. The conference also featured goodwill messages by His Excellency, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, CFR, and Special Adviser to the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mohammad Kuna amongst others. Highlight of the event was