The Inauguration of the Institute of Diplomatic Practice, Culture, and Language Development
The Achievers University in Owo, Ondo State, hosted the Inauguration Lecture of its newly established Institute of Diplomatic Practice, Culture, and Language Development (IDPCLD) on Monday, 30th March, 2026. The lecture, titled “Strategic Autonomy as Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Direction in a Changing Global Order,” was delivered by Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This event marked not only the official launch of the IDPCLD but also the final public activity of Ambassador Tuggar before his departure from his role as Foreign Minister.
This lecture was significant for several reasons. It served as a culmination of Ambassador Tuggar’s tenure and laid the groundwork for the intellectual foundation of the IDPCLD. Additionally, just days prior, on Thursday, 12th March, 2026, Ambassador Tuggar participated in the public presentation of the book Strategic Autonomy as a Foreign Policy Grand Strategy for Nigeria: The Doctrine of 4-Ds as Definienda, edited by Bola A. Akinterinwa, Olatunji A. Olateju, and Usman Sarki. The book launch, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos, highlighted the seriousness with which the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is pursuing strategic autonomy as a foreign policy objective.
Understanding Strategic Autonomy
Strategic autonomy refers to self-reliance and the development of self-capacity across various domains. It is not merely a tactical approach but an ultimate goal of achieving national grandeur—a Nigeria that is self-confident, independent, and capable of acting without fear or political interference. Ambassador Tuggar emphasized this during his lecture and subsequently submitted his letter of resignation, signaling the end of his tenure as Foreign Minister.
The question now arises: What will be the future of strategic autonomy as Nigeria’s foreign policy direction in a changing global order?
Ambassador Tuggar’s Lecture and the IDPCLD
One of the key relationships between Ambassador Tuggar’s lecture and the IDPCLD lies in the commendation he gave to the leadership of Achievers University. He praised the university for establishing an institute that recognizes diplomacy as a cultural practice, a linguistic craft, and a disciplined form of human engagement shaped by history, identity, and perception.
In Africa, the teaching of international relations has often focused on theory rather than practical application. Learners are rarely trained in protocol, etiquette, or the nuances of diplomatic communication. There is a lack of emphasis on translation and interpretation, as well as training in the languages of the United Nations—English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.
Ambassador Tuggar noted that Nigerian elites often observe protocols at ceremonies, but these practices are internationally considered uncivilized. Protocol, as defined by Sir Ernest Satow, involves the proper conduct of diplomatic correspondence and the forms observed in international law. However, it is impossible to observe “all protocols” without first establishing them at the beginning of an event.
The Role of Culture and Language in Diplomacy
The inauguration lecture sparked interesting discussions, particularly regarding the feasibility of implementing strategic autonomy and the dominance of foreign languages in Africa. Professor Gbenga Fasiku, former Director of the Institute of Cultural Studies and current Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University, emphasized that language is an essential part of culture. He defined language as a way of life, identity, and character of a people.
Associate Professor Raphael Abimbola of the Department of Mass Communication at Achievers University added that the domination of foreign languages over indigenous ones has hindered African development. He called on African leaders to adopt policies that use their native languages as instruments of strategic autonomy, drawing inspiration from Japan and China, which have successfully developed home-grown technologies.
Challenges Facing Strategic Autonomy
Several challenges remain in the pursuit of strategic autonomy. One is the issue of intellectual and cultural arrest caused by colonialism, which removed African languages from core studies and promoted foreign languages as superior. Another challenge is the conflict between national sovereignty and regional or continental integration, exemplified by the withdrawal of countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS to form the Alliance of the Sahel States (ASS).
Additionally, there are concerns about the expansionist tendencies of some Nigerians abroad, such as the attempts by Igbo communities in Ghana and South Africa to establish traditional chieftaincy kingdoms, which were met with resistance. These actions raise questions about the spirit of strategic autonomy and the need for careful diplomacy.
The Future of Strategic Autonomy
The quest for strategic autonomy requires the involvement of all sectors, including families, governments, and academic institutions. Public sensitization and mobilization are essential, as is the continuous process of intellection. The Achievers University must work closely with the government and other institutions to further articulate the concept of strategic autonomy.
Moreover, the issue of foreign military bases in Nigeria remains a concern. While Nigeria has a policy of non-acceptance of foreign military bases, the possibility of hosting U.S. bases in the Sahel raises questions about sovereignty and independence. The leadership of Achievers University must go beyond the establishment of the IDPCLD and begin to work on the strategic autonomy of the university itself in national and international relations.
Conclusion
The lecture by Ambassador Tuggar at Achievers University has opened the door for deeper intellectual exploration of strategic autonomy. As Nigeria navigates a changing global order, the lessons learned from this event will be crucial in shaping the country’s future. The idea has been introduced, and the process of reflection and action can now begin.
