By Muhammed Salihu Maigoro
The ABU Campus Press, in partnership with the Liberalist Centre, on Saturday, January 24, 2025, hosted an intellectual engagement titled “Next Advocates of Liberty Project,” aimed at deepening students’ understanding of liberty, moral freedom, and the prospects of a free society in Nigeria.
The event, held at the Window on America, ABU Main Campus, featured teaching sessions, debates, and a panel discussion centred on Foundations of a Free Society by Eamonn Butler.
Participants examined key concepts including liberty, the origin of law, free markets, as well as negative and positive rights. During the panel session, Amina Ismail highlighted the importance of economic freedom within educational institutions, noting that while free economic activities should be encouraged, appropriate school regulations are necessary to maintain balance and fairness.
Speaking on social regulation, Adam Ishaka addressed the issue of drug use, arguing that although restrictions are necessary, enforcement should not be authoritarian or oppressive but should be guided by humane, rights-respecting principles.
Responding to a question on institutional reform and transparency, Maruf Rufai stated that Nigeria cannot achieve full transparency unless sentiments tied to tribe and religion are eliminated. He stressed that national development requires merit-based systems rather than identity-based considerations.
Students who attended the programme also shared their views. Isaac Adigit, a final-year Mass Communication student, said the session reshaped her understanding of a free society, explaining that free markets often perform better than heavily government-controlled markets because they allow individuals and businesses to grow independently.
Nasir Abdulwasiu, a 200-level student, emphasized the role of students in promoting a free society, stating that students must first understand the principles of freedom and then actively promote them through advocacy and action.
The event concluded with the distribution of books and resource materials on liberty and free society to participants, as part of efforts to encourage continuous learning and sustained advocacy beyond the programme.
Muhammed Salihu Maigoro is a graduate of the Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
