AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The overall goal of the programme is to provide quality master’s training, research and technical experience in boundary management and boundary dispute resolution to enable our students to carry out boundary management operations using the latest techniques, utilise this prowess to address boundary conflicts and deploy appropriate boundary dispute resolution methods and measures to prevent escalation or minimize issues of boundary disputes. The specific objectives of the programme are to:
- Deliver high-quality master’s training in boundary management and dispute resolution;
- Provide students with adequate theoretical, methodological, and practical foundations for understanding the roles of contemporary technology in managing boundary conflicts in Nigeria and the global community;
- Educate students to appreciate the causes of intrastate interstate/community and global boundary disputes, with special reference to Nigeria and Africa.
- Give students whose initial training was not in boundary dispute management, opportunity to achieve their desired goal of obtaining a Masters in the field and.
- Apply our skills and competences towards the advancement of evidence based and policy relevant research in boundary conflict management to facilitate the development of Nigeria, Africa and the world.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Candidates for admission into the programme shall possess an appropriate bachelor’s degree of the University of Port Harcourt or any other recognized University. Preference shall be given to candidates doing related jobs in government ministries, the private sector, and security services.
Candidates for the Master of Science Degree in New Information Technology and Boundary Conflict Management must have one of the following:
- A good first-degree Honours in any discipline with a minimum of second-class lower division.
- A minimum of third-class Honours degree from a recognized university plus Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology or in related disciplines at credit level with a CGPA of 3.50.
- Upper Credit in HND with Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology or in related disciplines in a recognized University with a CGPA of 3.50.
- Evidence of NYSC discharge or exemption/exclusion certificate is required.
DURATION OF PROGRAMME
- The maximum period allowed for the completion of the M.Sc. Degree shall be 18 months.
- Students may register for a maximum of 45 units, but assessment for the award of the degree is based on the attainment of 37 units.
- The M.Sc. in Boundary Management and Dispute Resolution Degree shall be classified in line with the existing regulations of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) University of Port Harcourt.
- The M.Sc. Degree in Boundary Management and Dispute Resolution shall run for 12 calendar months.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for the award of an M.Sc. Degree in Boundary Management and Dispute Resolution, a candidate must pass a minimum of 37 credit units comprising core, elective and seminars courses and the Dissertation.
COURSE CONTENTS
The course delivery methods will include lectures, group work, case studies, critical reading, discussion, and self-assessment. Students will be exposed to online materials to improve their access to diverse sources of reading.
FIRSTMODULE
| S/No | CourseCode | Course Title (Core Courses) | Credit Unit |
| 1. | SGS 801.1 | ICT and Research Method | 2 |
| 2. | TBD 800.1 | Boundary Disputes and Security in Nigeria | 2 |
| 3. | TBD 801.1 | Traditional Boundary Demarcation and Dispute Management. | 2 |
| 4 | TBD.802.1 | Principles of Boundary Demarcation and Maintenance | 2 |
| 8 | |||
SECOND MODULE
| S/No | Course Code | Course Title (Core Courses) | Credit Unit |
| 1. | TBD.803.2 | Maps and imagery in boundary demarcation and maintenance | 2 |
| 2. | TBD.804.2 | Practical and Engineering considerations for boundary survey works | 2 |
| .3. | TBD.805.2 | Remotely sensed imagery for boundary work | 2 |
| 4. | TBD.806.2 | Conflict Management Strategies and Dispute Resolution | 2 |
| 8 | |||
THIRD MODULE
| S/No | Course Code | Course Title (Core Courses) | Credit Unit |
| 1. | TBD.807.3 | International Boundary Disputes | 2 |
| 2. | TBD.808.3 | Good practice in boundary demarcation and maintenance | 2 |
| 3. | TBD.809.3 | Boundary negotiations and their relevance for boundary-making | 2 |
| 4. | TBD.810.3 | Communication in Conflict Resolution | 2 |
| 8 | |||
FOURTH MODULE
| S/No | Course Code | Course Title (Core Courses) | Credit Unit |
| 1. | TBD.811.4 | Strategies and Ethics in Negotiations | 2 |
| 2. | TBD.812.4 | International Organizations and Boundary Disputes. | 2 |
| 3. | TBD.813.4 | Mediation: Method and Process for Dispute Resolution | 2 |
| 4 | SGS.802.2 | Entrepreneurship and Management | 2 |
| 5. | TBD.888 | Dissertation. | 6 |
| 14 | |||
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
SGS 801.1 ICT& Research (2 Credit Units)
Academic writing (structure and contents); Hypothesis formulation and research question; Citation and Referencing; Research design; and Use of ICT in research (MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Google Scholar, Data Analysis Software – SPSS/SAS/STATA).
TBD 800.1 Boundary Disputes and Security in Nigeria (2 Credit Units)
Boundary Disputes, Definition and Nature; theoretical perspectives on boundary disputes between State (Akwa Ibom – Abia, etc.) Nigeria Cameroon, Bakassi border crisis; Afkipo North Ebonyi State dispute, Cross River- Akwa Ibom crisis (oil wells). Security, Social and Economic Implications of boundary disputes.
TSB 801.1 Traditional Disputes Demarcation and Dispute Management in Nigeria (2 Credit Units)
Pattern of land ownership in traditional Nigeria Society; Natural Boundaries; use of plants, mud fences, community boundary dispute settlement, Gender Roles in boundary disputes. Traditional government and government disputes – The Oba Emir and warrant Chiefs. Mechanisms for land dispute settlement (Oath taking of Secret Societies, etc.).
TBD 802.1 P Principles of Boundary Demarcation and Maintenance (2 Credit Units)
The course covers the purpose and value of boundary demarcation, the changing nature of boundary-making, demarcation options for different physical and human landscapes, the importance of field research and key challenges in boundary demarcation and maintenance.
TBD 802.2 2 Maps and Imagery in Boundary Demarcation and Maintenance: (2 Credit Units)
The course will expose the learner to the use and abuse of maps, aerial photographs, and satellite imagery in boundary management operations. The use of Maps and imagery as tools for boundary research and recovery would be explored extensively with practical examples. Learners would also be guided on how to work with imprecise maps.
TBD 804.2 Practical and Engineering considerations for boundary survey works (2 Credit Units).
The course will cover practical and engineering factors in border survey work. The would be a practical fieldwork. The planning, survey control stations, building monuments, access, safety, and security for border survey works would be elaborated. The utilization and necessary understanding coordinate systems and GPS will be covered exhaustively. In addition the use of use of Airborne lidar surveys for boundary work will be covered.
TBD 805.2 Remotely Sensed imagery for Boundary Work(2 Credit Units)
This module will cover, Principles of Remote Sensing, Types of imagery, Applications of remotely sensed imagery, Dimension of Resolution and useful imagery for boundary works, Acquiring and interpreting imagery.
TBD 806.2: Conflict Management Strategies and Dispute Resolution (2 Credit Units).
The course exposes students to different political theories and approaches within the field of conflict resolution. It provides an overview and a basic framework for studying the evolving field of conflict resolution and utilising the findings from the field. The focus is on conflict resolution in inter- and intra-state issues. The course will cover dispute resolutions strategies, the new conflict management principle and case studies of its application.
TBD 807.3 International Boundary Disputes (2 Credit Units)
International Boundaries: Definition and nature; voyages of discovery and national mapping in Africa. Colonialism and National Boundaries, China-Hongkong dispute, India-Pakistan Boundary Dispute, Unite kingdom-Argentina crises, Russia-Ukraine dispute.
TBD 808.3 Good practice in boundary demarcation and maintenance (2 Credit Units)
This course will cover engineering and civil works required for boundary demarcation and maintenance. Topics to be covered are Methods and approaches for demarcating river, swamp, and lake boundaries; Positional accuracy requirements for boundary works; Boundary visibility requirements; Maximising flexibility in boundary works; Approaches to the involvement of borderland communities in demarcation and maintenance.
TBD 809.3 Boundary negotiations and their relevance for boundary-making (2 Credit Units)
This course encompasses the following areas: Theory and practice of international boundary-making; Boundary uncertainty; Boundary disputes; Types of negotiations for boundary dispute resolution.TBD810.3 Communication in Conflict Resolution (2 Credit Units).
The course will Cultural consideration in Conflict resolution, Communication Theories, Face negotiation Theory, Facework Strategies, Identifying Conflict patterns, Body language and Tone of Voice for Effective conflict resolution, Group Leadership, Process and Facilitation, communication Roadblocks, Cultural Differences in Communication. Effective approaches for conflict resolution communication.
TBD 811.4 Strategies and Ethics in Negotiations (2 Credit Units)
TBD812.4 International Organisation and Boundary Disputes (2 Credit Units)
Seminal works on International Organisation (United Nations Organisation, World Trade Organizations (WTO), Fisheries Organisation, European Union, African Union, and their role in Boundary Dispute Settlement. Local agencies and their role and mandate will also be explored.
TBD812.4 Mediation: Method and Process for Dispute Resolution (2 Credit Units)
Topics to be covered in the course are Mediation Process (planning, introduction, remarks, joint discussions, caucuses, negotiation); Comparison: Mediation, Arbitration, Litigation, Alternative dispute resolution; Stages: Initiation of Mediation; Mediator Selection; Mediation Sessions; Settlement; Impasse; Mediation Rules.
SGS 802.2 Entrepreneurship and Management (2 Credit Units)
The course will cover business environment, general management, financial management, entrepreneurship development, feasibility studies, marketing and managerial problem solving.
PSS 888 Dissertation (6 Credit Units)
Independentstudyofa Boundary related issues and problems dulyapprovedbythe Centreunderthe supervisionofalecturerappointed from the Centre.
LIST OF ACADEMIC STAFF
| S/N | NAME | QUALIFICATION | AREA OF SPECIALISATION | DESIGNATION |
| Ifeanacho, M. I. | B A., M.A. (UCC Cork Ireland), Ph.D.(UPH) | Human Resources Management | Professor (Director) | |
| Anthony Abiola Allen. | B.Sc,( UNILAG) – MBA – Banking and Finance(UNILAG) Ph.D.(UNILAG) . | Forensic Criminologist. | Professor | |
| Ugwu Chidiebere | B.Sc., M.A., Ph.D. (UPH) | Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems. | Professor | |
| Regina Rex Eleazu-Uriri PhD | NCE (Fed. Coll of Edu.Abiokuta) BSc (Ed)( UNICAL) PGD Computer Science(NOUN) MEd Education .(UNICAL) Ph.D. (UNICAL). | Security Management | Industry Lecturer | |
| Ohale, L. | B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (UPH) | Economic Development | Professor | |
| Abu, O.P. | B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (UPH) | Industrial Analysis, Medical Sociology & Social Gerontology | Senior Lecturer | |
| Badey, Dinebari K. | B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (UPH) | Development Studies | Senior Lecturer | |
| Dr. Kialee Nyiayaana | B.Sc., M.Sc. (UPH) M.Sc.(Kings College ,London) Ph.D.(UNN). | International Relations (Conflict and Peace Studies) | Senior Lecturer | |
| Dr. (Mrs) Onyinye O. Durueke | B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. (Ibadan). | Gender Studies/Peace and Conflict Studies | Senior Lecturer | |
| Dr.Gbenemene Kpae | B.Sc., M.A., Missouri, USA, Ph.D. (UPH). | Criminology and Environmental Conflict | Senior Lecturer | |
| Dr. Mezie-Okoye, Charles C. | B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (UPH). | Peace and Conflict Studies/ Development Studies | Senior Lecturer | |
| Prof. Roland Uhumwangho | Power Engineering | |||
| Dr. Daniel Ekpah | Electrical/Electronics | |||
| Dr. Olanrewaju Lawal | B.Sc. (Ibadan), MSc (Hohenheim), PhD (East London) | Geographic Information Science, Remote Sensing, Geocomputation and GeoAI | Reader |