AZUSA, Calif. — James Kantiok, Ph.D., Azusa Pacific University professor of education in the Department of Advanced Studies received a Core Fulbright Scholar award for next year.
With the Peace and Conflict Management through Peace Education and Peace Research award, Kantiok will teach and conduct research and will teach in Nigeria at his alma mater, Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. While there, he will provide expertise on peace and conflict management. He will also conduct ethnographic research on the factors exacerbating crises between Muslims and Christians in Northern Nigeria.
"I have been personally touched by these problems because my family and I escaped being killed by Muslim extremists while we were in Nigeria. I have what researchers call a 'participant observer' understanding of the crises. I am hoping that I can bring my expertise in peacemaking and peace-building to help with the peace process in Nigeria," Kantiok said.
Ahmadu Bello University wants to start a Peace and Conflict Management Institute and a B.A. Philosophy Program. They hope Kantiok will pioneer these programs and position them for the 21st century learning in order to aid in the conflict in Africa.
"I applied for this specific grant to advance and promote peace in Nigeria and Sub-Sahara as a whole. I am excited to be part of this important program, which will enable me to interact with the major stakeholders in Nigeria," Kantiok said.
Kantiok received his Ph.D. in Muslim-Christian Relations, focusing on Muslim Evangelism and Anthropology. The Fulbright Program will provide an opportunity to observe firsthand some of the issues at stake and play an integral role in the book he is currently writing on Democracy and the African Dream.
The Core Fulbright Scholar Program sends 800 U.S. faculty and professionals abroad each year. Grantees lecture and conduct research in a wide variety of academic and professional fields. The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Under a cooperative agreement with the Bureau, the Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES) assists in the administration of the Fulbright Scholar Program for faculty and professionals. Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program aims to increase mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and other countries, through the exchange of persons, knowledge, and skills.
