The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has entered into a formal partnership with the College of Peace and Reconciliation Studies (CPRS) to strengthen peacebuilding, research, capacity development and reconciliation efforts in Nigeria.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on August 19, 2026, with the IPCR represented by its Director-General, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, while the College of Peace and Reconciliation Studies was represented by its Rector, Rev. Prof. Joseph Maren Sampson.
Under the agreement, both institutions will collaborate on peacebuilding training, research initiatives, capacity-building workshops and reconciliation activities aimed at equipping students, researchers and practitioners with practical knowledge and skills for promoting peace and resolving conflicts.
Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Prof. Joseph Maren Sampson described the signing as a major milestone for academic excellence and collaborative research in the region.
He said the agreement, finalized alongside the Director-General of IPCR, would create new opportunities for the institution while strengthening its academic programmes through collaboration with a federal government think-tank.
Representing the College at the signing ceremony were Prof. Joseph Maren Sampson, the College Registrar, Mr. Stephen Pwaspo Mangniang, and the Student Representative, Mr. Joseph Dung.
Prof. Sampson said the partnership would add immense value, depth and credibility to the College’s academic programmes by connecting grassroots academic training with federal-level policy research and expertise.
According to him, the collaboration is expected to expand opportunities for students, researchers and practitioners working in the areas of peacebuilding, reconciliation and institutional development.
He further noted that the partnership would contribute to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical peacebuilding efforts, while creating a platform for deeper research and capacity development across Nigeria.
The MOU is expected to strengthen institutional cooperation between the two organisations and provide a framework for joint initiatives that promote sustainable peace, conflict prevention, reconciliation and human capacity development.
The partnership comes at a time when the need for stronger collaboration between academic institutions and policy-oriented organisations remains critical to addressing Nigeria’s complex peace and security challenges.
