- Jinadu says varsities not telling political office holders the truth
By Gabriel Dike
The Director of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Isaac Olawale Albert on Thursday declared that Nigeria has lost the status of being referred to as the giant of Africa.
Albert, who is a Professor of African History, Peace and Conflict Studies at UI made the declaration at a public lecture to celebrate 60th birthday of Prof. Adelaja Odukoya, the current Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos.
The lecture, which was chaired by a Professor of Political Science, Prof. Adele Jinadu, told the gathering that the universities have moved away from speaking the truth to political office holders.
Prof. Albert, who spoke on the topic: Nigeria’s Development Challenges: Which Way Forward? Asked the audience if Nigeria is still the giant of Africa and he responded, no?
He added: “In the last ten years, we have ceased to be giant of Africa. In fact, people from other African countries have been insulting Nigeria.’’
“We know the problems and those responsible for it but what we don’t know is the solutions. We may find ourselves like Somalia and Libya if the country remains same with unresolved problems.
“Those who are smiling today will suffer tomorrow. Those in government have a lot to loss if the system collapses. The system is gradually collapsing.”
Prof. Albert warned that politicians have driven the people to a position that does not exit and that at a point the people would fight back.
The UI don stressed that politicians are not talking about the people they govern but themselves, adding, ‘’our political system in under few people. A few people have captured the state.’’
Chairman of the lecture, Prof. Jinadu explained that the role of universities is to provide alternative voice and urged ASUU and civil societies to continue speak out against anti-peoples policies.
Jinadu disclosed that the few in power are working hard to silence the voice, noting, the struggle for democracy is less and that as we make gains, the few are those that would draw us back from moving forward.
Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, described Odukoya as one who is committed to UNILAG, ASUU and education.
Ogunsola, who was represented the Deputy VC, Prof. Lucian Chukwu said the celebrant is dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and has inspired his colleagues and students.
Former UNILAG VC, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, Prof. Odukoya, UI VC, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, Isaac Prof. Albert and others