Bingham University, through its Ambassador Bulus Lolo Centre for Diplomacy, Conflict, Peace and Plural Studies, in collaboration with the Department of Political Science, hosted the second edition of the Mock African Union Summit on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, at the Faculty of Architecture Lecture Theatre. The event brought together diplomats, media executives, scholars, policymakers, development practitioners and students for a day of diplomatic simulation and tribute to the late Pan African scholar, Professor Okello Oculi, held under the theme "Intra African Trade: An Unrealistic Expectation?"

Director of the Centre, Dr John Olushola Magbadelo, described the summit as an academic laboratory for diplomacy, explaining that the exercise builds students' practical skills in negotiation, policy drafting, public speaking, evidence based advocacy and diplomatic protocol beyond classroom learning. Twelve student delegates assumed roles of African Heads of State and continental leaders representing Nigeria, Morocco, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Lesotho, Algeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Rwanda and the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, delivering presidential speeches, participating in plenary debates and adopting resolutions examining the prospects and challenges of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Special Guest of Honour, Executive Director of News at the Nigerian Television Authority, Mr Ayo Adewuyi, represented by Mr Muhammed Ali, commended the University for exposing students to practical diplomacy, noting the initiative would sharpen public speaking skills and prepare participants for future careers in regional governance and diplomacy. A special message from the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Dr Abike Dabiri Erewa, delivered by Mrs Olabisi S. Onoja, described intra African trade as a strategic necessity rather than an unrealistic goal, citing the Free Trade Area's potential for job creation and industrial growth.

A major highlight was the posthumous honour conferred on Professor Oculi, widely regarded as pioneer of the Mock African Union Summit model in Nigerian universities. Professor I. S. Zabadi delivered a biographical tribute describing Oculi as a visionary Pan African scholar, after which Ambassador Bulus Lolo, on behalf of Vice Chancellor Professor Haruna Kuje Ayuba, presented a posthumous plaque to Oculi's widow, Madam Debrah Ogazuma. Speaking for the family, Dr Emman Usman Shehu commended the students' performances, saying they had justified Oculi's vision of preparing young Africans for leadership through experiential learning.