Draft:Sheriff Folarin

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Sheriff F. Folarin is a United States-based Nigerian professor of international relations, who teaches at Texas State University and serves as visiting professor at the University of Rwanda and Rwandan Defense Force Command and Staff College in Rwanda, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Nigeria. Professor Folarin hails from a princely lineage in the Ilawo clan in Oke-Ona Egba, Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Biography

Early Life and Education

Sheriff Folarin was born on August 15, 1973 in Kaduna city, Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria. He started his elementary education at LGA Primary School and Army Children’s School in Kaduna, before his parents got transferred from one northern part of the country to another. In Minna, Niger State, where his father, who worked at Nigeria Grains Board as a senior accountant was transferred, he attended Bosso Primary School for one academic session before being finally enrolled as a boarding pupil in Oro Nursery and Primary School in Kwara State, North-central Nigeria, where he eventually completed his primary education and obtained his First School Leaving Certificate.

Folarin had his first year in a secondary school at Tilley Gyado College Makurdi, Benue State, but his father's quest to give him a quality education led to his transfer to Government College Makurdi. He had his Forms 2 and 3 (now JSS 2 and 3) here, till his father reached retirement age in the federal public service and had to leave Northern Nigeria after about 40 years of sojourn in that part of the country. In Ibadan where his parents settled post-retirement, Folarin was enrolled at Abadina College, University of Ibadan, where he graduated in 1989 with flying colors.

After one year of an eye-opening work experience at Tulear Plastics in Eleyele, Ibadan, Sheriff Folarin gained admission to the premier University of Ibadan to read history. He had been specifically urged by his father to apply for law in his Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board exam, but the young Sheriff preferred history as he registered it and the University of Ibadan as his first choice, while picking law (University of Port Harcourt) as his second choice. In his first year at Ibadan, he excelled in his studies while also combining it with campus journalism or 'pen-pushing'. In his first two years as a campus journalist, he had emerged as the assistant general secretary and president of the Ibadan Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ), as well as the secretary/managing editor of the press of his hall of residence (Independence Hall) and editor-in-chief of the History Press Organization, which he completely reorganized. After his tenure as UCJ President, he was elected into the Student Union Government as a member of the representative council, representing the Independence Hall constituency, and in the course of a major interregnum in the Student Union, he was beckoned on to mount the speakership position in the interim to restore order and stability.

In 1993, Folarin won the Oba Lipede Prize in History for the best undergraduate student, and in 1997, completed his Bachelor’s degree program, graduating as the best student in his set. During his National Youth Service (NYSC) year, he had an eventful orientation in Government Science School, Obubra, where he was a quarter-guard and deputy platoon one leader. He had his primary assignment at Comprehensive High School, Aningeje, Akamkpa, near Calabar in Cross River State, where he taught government, history, English, literature-in-English and social studies, and organized the very first inter-house sports of the school as their first game master. He promised to sponsor to university level any of his students who would distinguish him/herself in the school certificate examination. Years later, Kingsley Ubong emerged with a great WAEC result and was invited to Ibadan, where he schooled and graduated under Folarin's supervision with a first class (honors) in psychology. In appreciation of his immense contributions during and after the NYSC year, the Aningeje community honored him with a title for strangers who make impact and a small piece of land to cultivate.

Growing up in Northern Nigeria, serving in the Southeastern/South-South and hailing from the Southwest, where he had his university education have exposed him to the many cultures and languages of the regions, which has largely contributed to his detribalized nature and national outlook.

Career

Professor Folarin has more than two decades in academia and in 2017 became the first professor of international relations at Covenant University, where he put in almost 19 years. He has served in reputable universities in Africa and the United States. He started his lecturing career at the University of Ibadan and has had stints in other local and international institutions, such as the University of South Carolina as a visiting fellow in 2007, Ithaca College, New York (as a visiting Classroom Beyond Borders teaching and research collaborator in 2011, 2013 and 2021), Landmark University, Ife Institute of Advanced Studies (2018-date), and Texas State University, United States of America. At Ife Institute of Advanced Studies, a collaborative fellowship institute by Obafemi Awolowo University (Nigeria) and a professor of Harvard University (United States), he serves as a facilitator, panelist and mentor to the fellows.

A 2015 recipient of the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program (CADFP) and a 2007 Study of United States Institute (SUSI) Fellow, among several other awards, Professor Folarin has earned global peer recognition and career distinction. He edited the Africa Symposia Issue of the Good Governance Worldwide, a journal of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). He has been elevated to the rank of Deputy/Associate Editor-in-Chief of the same American journal. He pioneered in 2013 the Covenant University Journal of Politics and International Affairs, producing 11 issues of that journal as the editor-in-chief. He is currently the editor-in-chief of the Africa Symposia Issue of the Good Governance Worldwide, a new journal of the American Society for Public Administration. He has sat on the doctoral dissertation panels of 53 PhDs in Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa, successfully supervising 13 of them.

He has about 100 publications, including the 2024 book, "Declining Hegemonical Foreign Policies of Nigeria: A Historico-Political Analysis" (Springer Nature), the 2023 study, Rwanda’s Radical Transformation since the end of the 1994 Genocide (Springer/Palgrave Macmillan), United Nations and Sustainable Development Goals (Springer/Palgrave-Macmillan, 2022); and Religion and Global Politics: Soft Power in Nigeria and Beyond (Rowman and Littlefield/Lexington Books). Other books include Visibility and Relevance in International Politics (MEI, 2014); and Readings in Peace and Conflict Studies (Covenant University Press- 2013). Professor Folarin chaired the United Nations at 75 International Conference jointly organized by United Nations Information Center and Covenant University and is a member of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Education for Justice Scholars group. He was Deputy Director and later Chairman of the Board of African Leadership Development Center, pioneer and twice Director of International Office and Linkages, and twice the Head of his academic Department at Covenant University in Nigeria. He belongs to the Nigerian Political Science Association, International Political Science Association, US State Department Alumni, American Society for Public Administration, Midwest Political Science Association, and Citizen Diplomacy International. His areas of research interest include foreign policies of world powers; foreign policies and soft power of African states; governance, politics and public policy in Africa; peace, conflict and security (strategic) studies; and international and comparative public administration. In 2019, he was elected as the President of the All-Nigeria Universities Debating Council (ANUDC), a national body that oversees inter-varsity debate competitions in Nigeria. He had served as the Vice President of the organization for three years and Southwest Coordinator for two years before assuming the position of chief executive. He had pioneered literary and debating activities in Covenant University since 2014, when the society was created and went ahead to lead the institution to the ANUDC national championship in 2018, Pan African Universities Debate Championship (PAUDC) public speaking championship in 2019 and World Championships in 2020 and all other available trophies within a period of four years.

Before starting his illustrious career in the academy, he had worked in African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc., publisher of the Tribune titles as an education and conflict correspondent. In mid-1999, his daring coverage and incisive reports of the Ife-Modakeke and the Saki Fulani-Yoruba conflicts brought him to global limelight as the German-British news organization, Reuters contacted him for collaboration and offered him rewards that redefined his journalism career.

Personal Life and Passions

Folarin has a great passion for reading and writing both scholarly and creative materials. Traveling and going on adventures or sitting down to good soccer games are also his hobbies. He contributes to national and global debates on leading newspapers, radio and television networks around the world. In addition, he uses his newspaper columns and opinion articles, and social media platforms, particularly Facebook, Threads and Twitter to share his opinions and convictions about issues. In an interview before the 2023 elections, he urged Nigerians to eschew petty tribalism and strongly advocated a shift from traditional strongholds in the election of a new president to give every region and major ethnicity a sense of belonging to one Nigeria. He had also deposed in an interview that politicians were liars and dirty in their character. He is also a member of the editorial board of some Nigerian newspapers, including Nigerian Tribune. In 2020, he won the Science Communication Award of The Conversation Africa, a global scholar-journale, for contributing articles that were the third most-read in the region for that year.

Some Major Works

Declining Hegemonical Foreign Policies of Nigeria: A Historicopolitical Analysis. (Palgrave Macmillan-in press).

Rwanda’s Radical Transformation Since the End of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. (Palgrave Macmillan).

The United Nations and Sustainable Development Goals. (Springer, Switzerland).

Religion and Global Politics: Soft Power in Nigeria and Beyond (Rowman & Littlefield/Lexington Books).

Readings in Peace and Conflict Studies. (Covenant University Press, 2013).

Selected PhD Theses Supervised

Ayodele, O.T., Implementation of the National Information Communication Technology and Teaching Quality in Selected Universities in Southwest Nigeria, 2010-2020, Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria.

Ifaloye, O., Truth Commissions and Victim-Centred Justice in Africa: Study of Oputa Panel in Nigeria, Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria.

Betek, C., Nigerian Refugees and the Principle of Non-Refoulemnet in Cameroon: A Study in International Protocols Prohibiting Asylum Rights Violations, Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria.

Udoh, D.O., The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and Rights to Property in Ogun State, Nigeria, Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria (2020).

Njoaguani, O., Sub-regional Health Governance and the Management of the Ebola Epidemic in Nigeria and Sierra Leone, Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria (2020).

Wogu, I.A.P., Plato’s Notion of Politics and the Crisis of Leadership in 21st Century Nigeria: Implications for Political Development, Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria (2017).

Olorunyomi, B.R., A Comparative Study of Olusegun Obasanjo’s Foreign Policy Under Military and Civilian Administration, Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria (2015).

Ogungbade, G.O., Operations of International Oil Corporations and Women’s Livelihood in Ogulagha Island of Delta State, Nigeria, Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria.

Ehi, B., Human Security and International Migration among the Bini People of Edo State, Nigeria (1999-2021). Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria.

Selected PhD Theses Examined

Isowede, Aloysius O., Competitive Intelligence and Performance of Selected Textile Companies in Lagos State, Nigeria, Department of Business Management, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. (College Examiner).

Oyeyemi. Adeola O., Citizens’ Participation And The Implementation of Primary Healthcare Policy in Ogun State, Nigeria (2009-2019), Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. (Chief Examiner).

Oluseye, Abiodun B. (2020). Inscribing the Environment: An Eco-Critical Study of Third-Generation Nigerian Poetry in English, Department of Languages and General Studies, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. (College Examiner).

Ajagba, Caleb (2020). The National Assembly, Independent National Electoral Commission and Democratic Governance in Nigeria, 1999-2019, Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. (Chief Examiner).

Sarumi, Remilekun F. (2020). E-Governance and Universal Basic Education Implementation in Selected Local Government Areas of Lagos State, Nigeria. Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. (Chief Examiner).

Idowu, Samuel (2020). Post-Privatization Performance of Electricity Distribution, Companies in Nigeria (2005-2018), Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. (Chief Examiner).

Chuwkudi, Celestina E. (2020). The Agitation For Self-Determination of Indigenous People Of Biafra And Political Stability In Nigeria, Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. (Chief Examiner).

Olanrewaju, Ilemobola P. (2020). Proto-Nationalism in West Africa and Management of Security in Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria, Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. (Chief Examiner).

Abasilim, Ugochukwu D. (2019). Leadership Styles and Employees’ Commitment: A Study of Selected Public and Private Organizations in Nigeria, Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. (Chief Examiner).

Ajayi, M.O. (2019). Gentrification and the Challenge of Development: A Study of Makoko Area of Lagos State. Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. (Chief Examiner).

Olanrewaju, Faith O. (2018). Boko Haram Insurgency and Challenge of Women IDPs in Northeast Nigeria, Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria (Chief Examiner).

Ajayi, Lady Y. (2018). International Regimes and Local Realities: Examining Gendered Violence in Ghana and United States, Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. (Chief Examiner).

Opanuga, A. (2017). MHD Poseuille Flow of Third Grade Fluid Between Parallel Plates, Department of  Mathematics, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria (2017) (Post Graduate School Examiner).

Chinyelu, L.C. (2016). A Study of Stylistic Features of Selected Nigerian Pentecostal Texts on Facebook and Twitter, Department of Languages and General Studies, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. (College Examiner).

Oyesomi, K. (2015). Indigenous Communication and Women’s Participation in Politics in Selected Communities of Lagos and Ogun States, Nigeria. (Post Graduate School Examiner).

Chidozie, F.C. (2014). Dependency or Cooperation? Nigeria-South Africa Relations (1960-2007), Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. (Chief Examiner).

Agbude,G.A. (2014). Revolution and Development in Amilcar Cabral's Political Thought, Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria (Chief Examiner).

Owolabi, F.E., (2014). Local Participation and Millennium Development Goals: A Study of Poverty Alleviation Strategies in Lagos and Ogun States of Nigeria, Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. (Chief Examiner).

Oni, S.O. (2013). Women and Political Participation in Nigeria: A Comparative Study of Lagos and Ogun States (1999-2007), Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. (Chief Examiner).

Joshua, S. (2013). Politics and Conflicts: A Study of Ebiraland, Nigeria (1977-2007). Department of Political Science & International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. (Chief Examiner). External Examination of Graduate Studies (PhD Theses & Master’s Dissertations)

Adeniyi, Oluwasegun T., (2022). Provisioning the Armed Forces in Colonial Nigeria, 1914-1960. Department of History, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. (PhD External Examiner).

Ojo, Ann David, (2021). Public-Private Partnership and Sustainable Development Goals: A Study of Development Projects in Lagos State, Nigeria, Department of Public Administration, Lagos State University, Nigeria. (PhD External Examiner).

Iseolorunkanmi, Ojo J. (2019). Cultural Identity, Social Exclusion and Communal Conflicts: A Case Study of the Omodo in Kabba, Kogi State, Graduate School/College of Humanities, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa (2019). (PhD External Examiner)

Eze-Michael, Ezedikachi N. (2019). Hezbollah, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and Foreign Interests in the Middle East, Postgraduate School/Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria (2019). (PhD External Examiner).

Adenuga, Gbeke A. (2019). National Sports Policy Implementation and Nigeria’s Foreign Policy, Postgraduate School/Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. (PhD External Examiner).

In addition, Professor Folarin has supervised over 90 Master's dissertations in the Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Degree program, of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) (2012-2016), Lagos, Nigeria- M.Sc, as well as supervised about 50 Master’s dissertations from 2011.

Awards and Honors

Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program, 2015

Study of United States Institute in American Foreign Policy, 2007

Visiting fellow, Walker Institute of International and Area Studies, University of South, Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, June-July 2007

Classroom Beyond Borders Partners Institute Grant, Ithaca College, USA, May-June, 2011

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) E4J Group of Scholars

Mentor/Faculty, Ife Institute of Advanced Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University (Nigeria)/Harvard University (USA), 2018-Date

Outstanding Role Model Award 2021, from Leadership Experience Ambassadors Network, Nigeria

Science Communication Award 2020 for Third Best/Most-Read Writer in Africa, from The Conversation Media Group- UK & South Africa.

Best Graduating Student in History Award, University of Ibadan, 1997

Oba Lipede Prize in History Award, University of Ibadan, 1994

Nigerian Model United Nations Society (NigMUNS) Best Faculty award, 2009

Lecturer of the Year (Blue Awards), Covenant University, 2014

Lecturer of the Year Award, College of Development Studies, Covenant Univ., 2008

Lecturer of the Year Award, Covenant Univ. Strategic Studies Students Assoc., 2007

Lecturer of the Year Award, Covenant Univ. Strategic Studies Students Assoc., 2006

Covenant Univ. Award for Excellence in Teaching, Research & Comm. Devt. 2005

Award for Teaching & Community Devt. Service Excellence, NYSC, Aningeje, Cross River State, 1998

National Assignments

President, All-Nigeria Universities Debating Council (ANUDC)- 2019-2021

Vice President, ANUDC- 2017-2019

Southwest Coordinator, ANUDC- 2014-2017

Membership of National Universities Commission (NUC) Accreditation Panels multiple times to public and private universities for re-accreditation of political science, international relations, strategic studies and public administration programs (undergraduate and graduate)- 2018-2021.

State Coordinator (Ogun), Nigeria National Census, National Population Commission, 2006

Election Monitor/Observer Volunteering, Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), 1999 Presidential and Gubernatorial Elections in Nigeria

Family

Professor Folarin is married to Oluwafunke, whom he met in 2002 and married in 2005. Oluwafunke has a doctoral degree in leadership, which she obtained in the United States. Folarin, with his children, Femi, Fola and Folademilade, is a typical family man, who in his rare spare time, enjoys it maximally, chatting or listening to music with his family or alone in the bedroom.