The Augustinian Institute, Makurdi, Benue State, officially commenced its 2025/2026 academic year with a thought-provoking Inaugural Lecture held on Tuesday, 28th October 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Institute's Hall.
The Lecture, titled "Nigeria's Bittered and Embittered Trajectory: A Critical Rethink of 'Renaissance' and a Strategic Embrace of 'Akiism'," was delivered by Rev. Fr. Prof. Ikechukwu Anthony Kanu, OSA, the Prior Provincial of the Order of Saint Augustine, Province of Nigeria, and Proprietor of the Augustinian Institute, Makurdi.
"Nigeria's Bittered and Embittered Trajectory: A Critical Rethink of 'Renaissance' and a Strategic Embrace of 'Akiism'"
In his rich and intellectually engaging presentation, Rev. Fr. Prof. Kanu examined Nigeria's socio-political and moral challenges, tracing the nation's "bittered and embittered" history while calling for a renewal rooted in critical reflection and moral responsibility. He introduced and elaborated on the concept of "Akiism", a philosophical framework emphasizing resilience, communal growth, and ethical renaissance, as a path toward national healing and transformation.
The event attracted members of the Augustinian family, academia, clergy, students, and guests, all of whom commended the lecture's depth and relevance. It set a reflective and inspiring tone for the academic year, reinforcing the Institute's mission to promote intellectual inquiry and moral formation in the Augustinian spirit of truth and love.
The Inaugural Lecture concluded with an interactive session and a note of gratitude to the speaker, whose insights continue to inspire discourse on Nigeria's journey toward a renewed and just society.
