1. For immediate release
Feb. 9, 2015
Contact: Laurie Wilson
(417) 836-6259
LWilson@missouristate.edu
University to host forum on Boko Haram
SPRINGFIELD—The College of Humanities and Public Affairs at Missouri State University
will host a forum on the terrorist organization, Boko Haram, from 12:30-1:45 p.m., Feb. 19 in
Strong Hall, Room 301.
“Boko Haram: Taming the Monster” will look at Dr. Bukola Oyeniyi’s research on the terrorist
organization and the motivations behind its attacks. Oyeniyi, professor of history at Missouri
State, will lead the forum to examine the history and objectives of Boko Haram.
“The forum is set to address the underlying factors of terrorism, debunking the single-cause
narratives given by the government and mainstream media about terrorism and why the global
war on terrorism is failing in Nigeria,” said Oyeniyi. “Counter-terrorism efforts should focus
essentially on the underlying issues rather than annihilating Boko Haram as a group.”
The forum is being held in response to the terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo’s satirical magazine
office and the outrage that ensued afterwards. Twelve people were killed during the terrorist
attack after the magazine released a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad.
“Global revulsion against terrorism peaked a few weeks ago following the terrorist attack on
Charlie Hebdo,” Oyeniyi said. “Recent police action against a terrorist sleeper cell in Belgium
has also served as a wake-up call to nations that the battle against terrorism is far from being
won.”
The presentation is a call-to-action to gain global attention to terrorism in Africa. This event is
free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Laurie Wilson, College of Humanities and Public Affairs
executive assistant, at (417) 836-6259.
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College of Humanities and Public Affairs
The College of Humanities and Public Affairs offers 16 undergraduate, eight graduate and six
certificate programs. Departments in the college include criminology and criminal justice,
defense and strategic studies, economics, history, military science, philosophy, political science,
religious studies, sociology and anthropology. The department of defense and strategic studies is
housed in the Washington, D.C. area. The college helps students understand social, political

2. and legal structures, ethical principles, religious systems, and economic institutions and
practices within a global, historical, and contemporary context.
About Missouri State University
Missouri State University is a public, comprehensive metropolitan system with a statewide
mission in public affairs, whose purpose is to develop educated persons. The university’s identity
is distinguished by its public affairs mission, which entails a campus-wide commitment to foster
expertise and responsibility in ethical leadership, cultural competence and community
engagement.
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