A PAPER DELIVERED BY SONNY IROCHE, THE KEYNOTE LECTURER AT THE 64th FOUNDERS’ DAY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024

Title: Resetting the Falling Standards of Education in Nigeria: Addressing the Challenges and Embracing the Future

Protocols:

• The Pro chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd)

• Professor Uche Azikiwe, the widow of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Founder, University of Nigeria.Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Polycarp Chigbu

• Members
• Deputy Vice Chancellors
• Principal Officers of the university (the registrar, the bursar, librarian)
• Members of the Senate
• Deans, Directors, Professors, Lecturers
• Fellow Alumni
• All other Academic & Non - Academic Staff
• Our highly valued students (my fellow Lions & Lionesses)

Please pardon me, if I have inadvertently breached any protocols within the university system, despite my best efforts to adhere to the established norms in addressing this august occasion.

After a long journey from Oxford through Lagos, I have finally arrived in the beautiful city of Nsukka—my alma mater. Let me set the tone of this lecture and our discussion today, by referencing the second stanza of the university anthem that goes thus: Hail Varsity of Nigeria, my Alma Mater: Hail her and rejoice for her lofty plans: The Varsity that is sited on soft green hills. Hail her and rejoice for her beauty sake. Hail Varsity of our glory, the pride of our land: Hail her and rejoice for her light will shine: Hail Varsity per excellence our dream come true: Hail her and rejoice for the giant awakes.

Let me now pause at this moment to express my deepest gratitude to God Almighty for granting all those who have travelled to Nsukka this day journey mercies, and the opportunity to witness another day. For me , this moment is both nostalgic and humbling at the same time, as I cast my mind back to 1974, when as a 17-year old, I matriculated in this university, having just passed both my O’Level WASC from Government College Umuahia and the University entrance examination. Thereafter, for four uninterrupted years, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology, in 1978.

Before we dive deep into today’s discussions, I would like to share a brief overview of the contemporary history of the University of Nigeria. This is especially relevant for our young students and serves as a tribute to some of our past heroes, such as Dr Michael Okpara, Emir Ado Bayero, Igwe Vincent Ike, who served as the Sole Administrator of the university, Professor Echeruo, and Professor Gilbert Kodilinye, who in 1952, became the first Nigerian professor of Medicine at the University of London, among many others, who worked tirelessly to restore the university in the aftermath of the Nigeria-Biafra war.

Shortly after the war, the university had three campuses: Nsukka, Enugu, and Calabar. The period from 1967 to 1970, marked by the Nigeria-Biafra war, remains a dark chapter in our history. Many of those that were involved in the Biafra Research and Production (RAP) were scientists and professors from this institution, and a significant number of the officers in the Biafran army were also undergraduates. We take a moment to honor the memories of those who lost their lives during that conflict, and we pray that their souls may find eternal peace. Amen.

At the end of the Nigeria-Biafra war in 1970, it was alleged that the federal government was contemplating the closure of the University of Nigeria. It was the late Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, who had earlier in 1967 been appointed as Chancellor by his close ally, Odimegwu Ojukwu, then governor of the Eastern Region, who intervened to prevent such drastic measures. Emir Ado Bayero, along with the governor of the former South Eastern State, Brigadier Eugene Esuene, staunchly advocated for the university’s continued operation. Esuene further insisted on the establishment of a campus of the university in Calabar, leading to the admission of the first cohort of students in the Calabar campus in 1973, with the last set of UNN students admitted in 1975. From 1976, with the introduction of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) the University of Calabar as a separate entity, was established, marking a significant moment in our educational landscape. I was among the students admitted to the Calabar campus, as the second set in 1974.

As we convene today to honor the rich legacy of our university and look towards its promising future, I am overwhelmed with nostalgia and a sense of purpose. It is therefore a privilege to address you not only as an alumnus of this esteemed institution but also as a devoted advocate for the advancement of education in Nigeria. Over sixty years ago, our founding fathers, led by the visionary leader, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, envisioned the establishment of the University of Nigeria, drawing motivation from the Michigan State University, USA. The opening convocation, addresses were delivered by the Chairman of the Provincial Council, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of the Federation of Nigeria, and by John A. Hannah, President of Michigan State University. The motto of the university is "To Restore the Dignity of Man”, which is rooted in Count Giovani Pico Della Mirandola’s 15th century oration, ‘De Dignitate Hominis’ (‘On the Dignity of Man’). As we reflect on our journey thus far, we must ask ourselves, the question:

Have we truly answered the call? Today’s lecture will delve into significant insights from influential thinkers, like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr Nelson Mandela, and Alvin Toffler. Dr. Azikiwe famously stated, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” Hear Mandela on education: “ Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world “.

Complementing these sentiments, Toffler warned that “The illiterate of the twenty-first century will not be those who cannot read or write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” A central theme in Toffler’s work is the notion that knowledge serves as the cornerstone of powerful societies, surpassing even the significance of labor and resources. He argued that individuals, organizations, and civilizations that fail to adapt to the rapid influx of new information risk falling into decline.

All these perspectives on education shed light on the stark contrast between knowledge-driven nations and the development disparities observed between the global north and the global south. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, in a notable speech at a Labor Party gathering, underscored the critical importance of education by declaring that “education, education, and education” are the top three priorities for his nation. This prompts us to question why successive administrations in Nigeria have consistently overlooked the education sector.

Thankfully, the rise of private education—akin to the emergence of private banks and the privatization of certain public entities in the country, has stepped in to fill the gap. But the legacy government owned universities must not be allowed to die. Because not all who seek education can afford the fees of the private universities.

In recent years, the educational landscape, and indeed most sectors in Nigeria have faced several challenges that have hindered our progress and tarnished the legacy of excellence that we once prided ourselves on. Today, I want to discuss these issues candidly, and I urge each of you to join me in a clarion call for reform and revitalization of our universities, and the education

sector as a whole.

1. The Fall of Educational Standards

To begin, we must confront the undeniable reality: the standards of public sector-driven education in Nigeria are in decline. Successive governments have promised reforms, yet we find ourselves still grappling with low budgetary provisions, as a percentage of our annual budget, outdated curricula, overcrowded and sometimes dilapidated classrooms, and underqualified educators. The failure to implement sustainable policies has left our educational system in disarray, and it is time for us to demand accountability and action policies to address this unfortunate situation.

1. De-centralization of Admissions & the Quota System: A Double-Edged Sword One of the most pressing issues that has marred Nigeria’s educational system is the continued centralization of admissions through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). While this system was originally intended to streamline the admission process, it has inadvertently created bottlenecks and inequities. The situation is further exacerbated by the quota system, which lowers the admission threshold for applicants from some so-called educationally disadvantageous states, to the detriment of those that have been classified as educationally advantageous state, with much higher admission threshold. These have over the years denied deserving students from placements in federal educational institutions and such students find themselves trapped in a cycle of rejections, while the meritocracy we aspire to, remains elusive. We must advocate for a more equitable and transparent admission process that truly reflects the capabilities of our students, allowing them to thrive in an environment that nurtures their potential. I am therefore, calling on the federal government to democratize admissions into Federal colleges, Universities, and other tertiary institutions, to allow them set their own examinations, and choose their admission criteria, while reinforcing the educational regulatory framework and authorities.

The quota system in admissions to federal educational institutions and government departments has, in many ways, outlived its original intent and usefulness. What the policy makers thought at the time was necessary has over time now, not yielded the desired result but has stunted the quality of public education in Nigeria. Instead of fostering an equitable environment that allows the best talents in Nigeria to emerge and actualize their full potential, the system has inadvertently elevated mediocrity while undermining the principles of meritocracy. Furthermore, we must consider whether the states that were previously educationally disadvantaged have made sufficient strides to catch up. At the same time, we must ask if the states that have historically enjoyed educational advantages have contributed their fair share to our federation. A thoughtful review and potential reform of the quota system could help ensure that we prioritize excellence and merit, ultimately paving the way for a more

dynamic and competitive educational landscape in Nigeria.

For Nigeria to progress and effectively transition into the imminent Fourth Industrial Revolution, that will be catalyzed by advancements in Artificial Intelligence and STEM education, a review of the university curriculum and the 1999 Constitution (as amended) are imperative.

III. The Funding Crisis: A Budgetary Black Hole

Moreover, we must address the dearth of funding that has plagued our universities. The inadequate budgetary provisions for education have left institutions scrambling to provide basic amenities, let alone invest in innovative research and development. Our GDP to education ratio is alarmingly low, reflecting a disinterest in the future of our nation’s intellectual capital. We must mobilize resources and campaign for increased investment in education—because without funding, we cannot fuel the engines of growth and development.

The 2024 Nigeria budget allocated 7.9% of its total budget to education. While this was a slight improvement over precious years, it is still grossly inadequate. At $23 per capita, public expenditure on education in Nigeria, is inadequate by any standard. Of the $23 per capita spending on education, states spend $14, leaving the federal government with only $9 per capita. As a result, Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions educators are some of the least paid in the country.

1. The Dark Shadow of Misconduct in Academia Adding to the woes of our educational system are the allegations of "sex for marks" and/or “financial gratification for marks”, that tarnish the integrity of some Tertiary institutions. Such unethical practices undermine the very foundation of education and discourage talented students from pursuing their dreams. We must collectively reject these behaviors and advocate for stringent policies that promote transparency and accountability in our academic environments.

As an antidote for such malpractices, I would like to advocate the introduction of the use of anonymous marking of examination assessments in the mold of what is obtainable in universities in the western world with the Autonomous Students Assessment Management System (SAMS). This method uses anonymous numbers and not the student’s identity submitted through a laptop and other computer devices. That way the identities of students are protected from sexual predator or vindictive lecturers.

1. Incessant ASUU Strikes: The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Nigeria has been known for its frequent strikes, which are typically called to protest against various issues related

to funding, salary discrepancies, poor infrastructure, and other conditions affecting the quality of education in Nigerian universities. These strikes have become a persistent issue in the Nigerian educational landscape, often lasting for months and leading to significant disruptions in academic calendars.

Key Points on the Persistent ASUU Strikes:

• Historical Context: ASUU was established in 1978 to advocate for the rights of university lecturers. Over the decades, the union has launched numerous strikes, with the most significant ones occurring in the 1990s and 2000s.

• Reasons for Strikes:

- Funding Issues: ASUU often strikes when the government fails to meet funding agreements or allocate sufficient budgets for education.

- Salary and Benefits: Disputes over salaries, allowances, and benefits for lecturers are common triggers for strikes.

- Infrastructure: Poor facilities and inadequate resources in universities have led to calls for

better investment in the education sector.

• Impact on Education:

- Disruption of Academic Calendars: Strikes can lead to prolonged interruptions in academic sessions, causing delays in graduation and affecting students' overall educational progress.

- Quality of Education: Continuous strikes and disruptions can negatively impact the quality of education, as students may miss crucial learning opportunities and resources.

- Brain Drain: Prolonged strikes and poor working conditions have contributed to a brain drain, as many qualified lecturers seek opportunities abroad for better pay and working conditions.

- Student Frustration: Students often express frustration over the uncertainty and instability caused by strikes, which can lead to decreased morale and motivation.

.• Government Response: Over the years, the Nigerian government has made various attempts to negotiate with ASUU, including promises for increased funding and improved conditions.

However, these negotiations often lead to temporary resolutions rather than lasting solutions.

• Current Situation: The issue remains a significant challenge in Nigeria's education sector, with ASUU continuing to advocate for systemic reforms to address the root causes of the strikes.

THE JOURNEY TO RESET: A Vision for Today and Tomorrow

The journey to reset the standards of education in Nigeria is fraught with challenges. However, with collective effort, commitment, and the unwavering spirit of our alumni, we can overcome these obstacles. Let us unite in our mission to advocate for reforms, increase funding, uphold ethical standards, and embrace the future of education through research and technology.

Together, we can restore the pride and dignity of the University of Nigeria, ensuring that it remains a beacon of learning, research and knowledge for generations to come.

A CALL TO THE ALUMNI: Your Alma Mater Needs you Now:

You are who you are today, due partly to the University of Nigeria, but ultimately by the grace of God. And remember what the Bible tells us that the Lord, loves a cheerful giver. So it is not asking for too much for your university to make a clarion call to the alumni, to please come to Nsukka and save us.The university has a humongous number of alumni too numerous to mention. But please allow

just to mention a few.:

Many lions and lionesses at home and in the diaspora, too numerous to mention on this occasion.

In light of these several challenges facing the university, we call upon each one of you—alumni of the University, to come to the rescue of our Alma Mater. I’m aware that a few secondary schools and colleges, like Government College Umuahia, CIC Enugu and CKC Onitsha have restored and remodeled their Alma Mater

1. Establishment of a University Endowment Fund: Establishing a University of Nigeria Restoration Endowment Fund by the alumni of the University of Nigeria is paramount and long overdue and it involves several key steps and considerations to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability. Below is a structured outline of the setting up of such a fund:

Purpose and Objectives

- Define the Purpose: Clearly outline the goals of the endowment fund, such as supporting scholarships, faculty development, research initiatives, infrastructure improvements, or community engagement.

- Long-term Vision: Establish a vision for how the fund will benefit the university over the long term.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

- Incorporation: Form a legal entity to manage the endowment, which may be a nonprofit organization or a foundation.

- Compliance: Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing charitable organizations in the jurisdiction.

Governance Structure

- Board of Trustees: Establish a board to oversee the fund, comprising alumni, faculty, and possibly other stakeholders. Define roles, responsibilities, and terms of service.

- Advisory Committees: Form committees to address specific areas such as investment strategy, scholarship selection, and fundraising. Funding Mechanism

- Initial Capital: Determine the initial capital required to launch the endowment fund. This may involve contributions from alumni, businesses, NGOs, and other donors.

- Ongoing Contributions: Set up mechanisms for continuous contributions, including annual giving campaigns, planned giving, and major gifts.

Investment Strategy

- Asset Allocation: Develop an investment strategy that balances risk and return to preserve the fund’s capital while generating income.

- Professional Management: Consider hiring professional investment managers or advisors to oversee the fund’s investments. Fund Management Policies

- Spending Policy: Establish a spending policy that dictates how much of the fund’s earnings can be used annually for scholarships or other purposes.

- Reporting and Transparency: Implement transparent reporting practices to keep stakeholders informed about the fund’s performance and expenditures.

Scholarship and Grant Criteria

- Eligibility Criteria: Define the criteria for scholarships or grants, including academic performance, financial need, and other relevant factors.

- Application Process: Create a fair and transparent application process for students seeking support from the fund.

Marketing and Communication

- Awareness Campaigns: Develop strategies to raise awareness of the endowment fund among alumni, current students, and the community.

- Engagement Initiatives: Foster engagement through newsletters, social media, and alumni events to encourage ongoing support and participation.

Monitoring and Evaluation

- Performance Metrics: Establish metrics to evaluate the fund’s impact and effectiveness in meeting its goals.- Regular Reviews: Conduct regular reviews of the fund’s performance and strategies to ensure

alignment with the university’s mission and objectives.

Celebration and Recognition

- Donor Recognition: Create a system to recognize and honor donors, which can encourage further contributions and strengthen alumni relationships.

- Impact Reporting: Share stories and outcomes of how the fund has positively impacted students and the university community.

Setting up an Endowment Fund by the alumni of the University of Nigeria requires careful planning, collaboration, transparency, and commitment. By following these structured steps, alumni can create a sustainable fund that supports the university's mission and enhances educational opportunities for future generations.

III. Igbo Entrepreneurial Apprentice Studies

Let the word go out from this place today the leadership of the University, gathered here today, to consider the establishment of a formal education program to be known and called the School of Igbo Entrepreneurial Apprentice Studies. Which in keeping with its name, will embark on the research and take a long term and in-depth study of the age- long Igbo Apprentice program, with a view to taking it to the next level and incorporating technology and global financial dynamics into consideration.

• Collegiate System (Decentralized University System) UNN is hereby advised to consider the unique Collegiate education system of Oxford and Cambridge and some American universities.

The Governing Council and the university administration, should commit a study to study the nuances and implications, advantages and disadvantages of this system.

• Executive Education: The University of Nigeria can introduce Executive programs by leveraging its existing academic resources and expertise to develop specialized, short-term courses aimed at working professionals. This can be achieved through partnerships with industry leaders to ensure curriculum relevance, utilizing online platforms for accessibility, and offering flexible scheduling to accommodate busy professionals.

• Advantages of Executive Programs for the University of Nigeria:
• Revenue Generation: These programs can create a new income stream, enhancing the university's financial stability.

• Industry Collaboration: Strengthening ties with businesses can lead to research opportunities and internships for students.

• Enhanced Reputation: Offering high-quality executive education can elevate the university's profile and attract more students.• Lifelong Learning: Fostering a culture of continuous education can position the university as a leader in professional development

• Networking Opportunities: These programs can facilitate connections between students and influential industry professionals, enriching the university community.

 University of Nigeria Farm Ltd: To establish farms that produce food for students, the campus community, Nsukka and Enugu state. The farm would focus on sustainable practices, education, and providing fresh produce. Universities like Cornell, Ithaca, which operates a student-run farm and agricultural research facilities that contribute produce to the university’s dining services while also serving as a teaching and research platform.

Appalachian State University also has a student-run farm, known as the Goodnight Family Sustainable Development Farm, which produces food for the campus community.

National University of Singapore has a campus garden that produces fruits, and vegetables, promoting urban farming and sustainability among students.

Although the University of Oxford does not have a traditional farm in the sense of a large agricultural operations that produces food for the students. It however has a project, Oxford UnFarm, which is associated with the department of Zoology and focuses on research and education in sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Eastern Nigeria Regional integration: the fear of ethnic dominance which existed in the 1960-1970s no longer exists. Theresa is an urgent need for the old eastern region to form and economic and security bloc, for there is strength in unity. We share common beliefs in education, hardwork, sanctity of human life and rights, our region has many things that bind us together, such as marriage, culture, religion, values and the pursuit of progress and happiness.

We also share common borders and wealth. Let us pull our little patches together are firm one quilt. Because when we struggle and complain in our different silos and patches, as Efik, Ibibio, Ijaw, Igbo, Calabari, Ogoni, Ndoni, Okrika, Ikom and Ogoja our individual patch is not enough.

Let us all come together, like Joseph’s mother, to sow together, a coat of many colors that will shield us from the cold of retrogression, and give us a collective warmth of peace, justice and progress.

• High Electricity bill payments to EEDC. UNN incurs millions of Naira in electricity expenses. The university should explore the possibilities of an alternative source and solution to its energy needs, such as renewable energy in solar and wind. Drawing again from the university anthem: “…Hail Varsity that is planted on soft green hills: Hail her and rejoice for her beauty sake. The hills of Nsukka and not just beautiful, but when subjected to research on its wind flow, could serve as a site for wind mills generating electricity.

Renewables and generating UNN electricity, to prevent heavy dependence rid electricity derived from the weight huge electricity bills

1. The Enugu State government should now commission a feasibility study and an impact assessment study of developing a Light rail transport system linking Enugu and Nsukka

2. Eastern Nigeria Development Corporation (ENDC), for economic, educational, and cultural cooperation., reminiscing national and regional blocs such as BRICS, ECOWAS.

Some analysts query why Nigeria is not a member of BRICS. But i wish to recommend the establishment of an Eastern Nigeria Development Corporation ( ENDC) an economic, security and infrastructure cooperation between the states of the defunct

Eastern Region.

Rehabilitating and remodeling university education at a university like the University of Nigeria could involve several key initiatives to enhance the overall learning experience for students.

Some potential strategies for the future of revamping university education at UNN could

include:

. Enhancing student support services: Providing comprehensive support services for students, including academic advising, counseling, and career guidance, can help students navigate their academic journey more effectively and succeed in their studies.

. Fostering interdisciplinary collaboration: Encouraging collaboration between different academic departments and promoting interdisciplinary research can help students develop a well-rounded education and gain a broader perspective on complex issues.

. Promoting experience learning opportunities: Offering hands-on learning experiences, such as internships, research projects, and community service initiatives, can help students apply their

knowledge in real-world settings and develop practical skills that are relevant to their future

careers.

. Enhancing faculty development: Providing professional development opportunities for faculty members to stay current with the latest pedagogical approaches and research trends can help ensure that students receive high-quality instruction and mentorship. Restoring university education at any university will require a comprehensive and collaborative effort from faculty, administrators, and students to create a dynamic and innovative learning environment that prepares students for success in the rapidly changing global economy.

Rebuilding the broken infrastructure, facilities, and addressing issues such as anti-social behavior of some lecturers, vices in the university system, and the erosion of ethical values in a university like the University of Nigeria Nsukka is crucial for revitalizing the institution and fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation. Here are some key insights into the importance of addressing these challenges:

. Infrastructure and facilities: Investing in modern infrastructure and facilities is essential for creating a conducive learning environment that inspires creativity and innovation. Upgrading classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and other facilities can enhance the overall student experience and improve academic outcomes.

. Addressing anti-social behavior of some lecturers: Addressing issues of misconduct, unethical behavior, and abuse of power among faculty members is crucial for maintaining a positive and supportive learning environment. Implementing clear policies and procedures for reporting and addressing misconduct can help promote accountability and professionalism among staff.

Such as dedicated Whistleblowers telephone lines

. Tackling vices in the university system: Addressing vices such as corruption, nepotism, and academic dishonesty is essential for upholding the integrity of the academic institution.

Implementing transparent and fair evaluation processes, promoting ethical conduct, and fostering a culture of accountability can help deter vices and promote a culture of excellence.

. Rebuilding the value system, ethics, and ethos of the university: Restoring and reinforcing the core values of integrity, respect, excellence, and accountability is essential for fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation. Promoting ethical conduct, diversity, and inclusivity can help create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that nurtures creativity and critical thinking.

. Fostering knowledge, research, innovation, and inventions: Cultivating a culture of knowledge creation, research excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurship is essential for positioning the university as a hub of academic excellence and a driver of economic development. Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, supporting cutting-edge research initiatives, and fostering a spirit of creativity and innovation can help propel the institution to new heights of academic achievement. Addressing these challenges and rebuilding the infrastructure, facilities, and ethical values of a university like UNN is essential for revitalizing the institution, promoting a culture of academic excellence, and preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. It will require a concerted effort from university leadership, faculty, students, and other stakeholders to create a vibrant and dynamic learning environment that fosters innovation, creativity, and positive social impact.

. Networking and collaboration: Alumni can facilitate networking opportunities and collaboration among students, faculty, industry partners, and other stakeholders, creating a vibrant ecosystem of knowledge sharing, innovation, and collaboration. By leveraging their connections and resources, alumni can help create opportunities for students to engage with real-world challenges and contribute to positive social change.

. Fundraising and philanthropy: Alumni can support the university through fundraising initiatives, donations, and philanthropic efforts to enhance infrastructure, facilities, scholarships, research programs, and other key initiatives. By giving back to their alma mater, alumni can help ensure that future generations of students have access to high-quality education and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

. Advocacy and public engagement: Alumni can serve as ambassadors for the university, advocating for its mission, values, and impact in the wider community. By promoting the university's achievements, values, and contributions to society, alumni can help raise awareness, build support, and attract resources to advance the institution's goals

The Advancement Board:

1. Reposition the Advancement Board:

- The Advancement Board plays a critical role in fundraising, alumni engagement, and strategic planning for the university. Repositioning the board can involve restructuring its composition, roles, and responsibilities to ensure effective leadership, governance, and oversight.

- The board can focus on expanding fundraising efforts, cultivating donor relationships, and securing financial support for key initiatives, such as infrastructure development, research programs, scholarships, and faculty development.

- By enhancing the board's capacity and effectiveness, the university can strengthen its resource mobilization efforts, promote sustainability, and advance its mission of academic excellence and social impact.2. Creating Centers of Excellence in Research in Medicine and Health Sciences:

- Establishing centers of excellence in research in medicine and health sciences can position UNN as a leader in cutting-edge research, innovation, and knowledge creation in these critical fields.

- These centers can facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration, attract top talent, secure research funding, and drive impactful research projects that address pressing health challenges and contribute to scientific advancement.

- By fostering a culture of research excellence and innovation, the university can enhance its reputation, attract top students and faculty, and make meaningful contributions to healthcare delivery, public health, and societal well-being.

3. Providing Consulting Services to Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance Companies (BFS&I)

- Offering consulting services to banking, financial services, and insurance companies can leverage the university's expertise, knowledge, and resources to address industry challenges, provide strategic insights, and drive organizational performance.

- The University can establish partnerships and collaborations with industry stakeholders to offer specialized consulting services, training programs, and research projects that address emerging trends, regulatory requirements, and market dynamics.

- By engaging with the private sector, the university can enhance its relevance, build industry connections, and create opportunities for knowledge exchange, skill development, and mutual benefit.

Reestablishing the Advancement Board, creating centers of excellence in research in medicine and health sciences, and providing consulting services to industry MMC sectors can enhance the University of Nigeria Nsukka's impact, visibility, and reputation, while advancing its mission of academic excellence, innovation, and societal relevance. These initiatives can strengthen the university's capacity to address complex challenges, drive positive change, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge, research, and practice in key sectors of importance.

Embracing the Future: Research and AI Readiness

As we reflect on our university’s potential, we must also ask: Are our public universities equipped to carry out meaningful research and development in line with today’s global realities? The answer lies in our commitment to innovation and collaboration. We must foster partnerships with industries and governmental agencies to create a research ecosystem that addresses real-world challenges.Furthermore, as we stand on the precipice of a technological revolution, we must ask ourselves:

How AI-ready are our universities? The future of education and industry will undoubtedly be shaped by artificial intelligence. It is imperative that we incorporate AI into our curricula, train our faculty, and equip our students with the skills needed to thrive in this new era. Embracing the disruptive technologies will not only enhance our educational frameworks but also prepare our graduates for the complexities of the modern workforce. Now, let me sound a note of warning to both our students and faculties: “AI will not take your job. But the person who has learned to use AI will”.

The Landscape of Technology Disruption: Generative Artificial Intelligence Preparing current students at the University of Nigeria to navigate the landscape of technological disruption caused by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics is crucial for equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital age. Here are some potential plans and strategies that the university could consider in tweaking its curriculum to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and robotics:

• Integration of AI and Robotics Courses: The university can introduce specialized courses on AI, machine learning, robotics, and other related technologies to provide students with a foundational understanding of these concepts. These courses can cover topics such as data science, programming languages, AI algorithms, and ethical considerations in AI development.

• How would Universities deal with the use of Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT by students, teaching and research staff?. Will the use of Chatbot be viewed as academic dishonesty, and plagiarism?

• Interdisciplinary Approach: UNN can encourage interdisciplinary collaboration among different academic departments to foster a holistic understanding of AI and robotics. By incorporating perspectives from fields such as computer science, engineering, social sciences, and ethics, students can gain a broader appreciation of the implications and applications of AI technologies.

• Hands-on Learning Opportunities: Providing students with hands-on learning experiences, such as project-based assignments, research projects, and internships in AI-related industries, can help them apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and develop practical skills in AI development and implementation.• Industry Partnerships and Guest Lectures: Collaborating with industry partners, AI experts, and professionals in the field of robotics can provide students with insights into industry trends, best practices, and career opportunities in the AI sector. Guest lectures, workshops, and industry visits can expose students to real-world applications of AI and robotics technologies.

• Emphasis on Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: The university can emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity in its curriculum to equip students with the skills needed to adapt to the evolving technological landscape. Encouraging students to think innovatively, experiment with new ideas, and collaborate on interdisciplinary projects can cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning and adaptability.

• Ethical and Social Implications: Incorporating discussions on the ethical, legal, and social implications of AI and robotics technologies can help students develop a well-rounded understanding of the broader impact of these technologies on society.

Addressing issues such as bias, privacy, accountability, and job displacement can foster a culture of responsible innovation and ethical decision-making.

By implementing these strategies and tweaking its curriculum to reflect the emerging trends in AI and robotics, the University of Nigeria can better prepare its current students to thrive in a rapidly changing technological landscape. By equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to harness the potential of AI and robotics technologies, UNN can empower its graduates to lead and contribute meaningfully to the digital transformation of society.

OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS

• Learn from the GCU experience
• BAFA donation of Books
• Rhodes Scholarship for Masters and Doctorate degrees Selection Committee (Age 18-24)

• African Leadership Institute (AFLI) Archbishop Desmond Tutu Fellowship (Age 30-40)
• Senior Academic Fellowship of UNN faculties with Foreign Universities WORDS OF PURPOSE FROM GARTNER RESEARCH: BY GARTNER

“The future doesn’t invent itself. It is created by today’s leaders, who know that the pace of change will never be this slow again. We must work together as leaders every day, to pursue our mission-critical priorities seize opportunities from disruption Cast a vision for the future and build it step by step

We must equip them with indispensable insights, advise and tools to confidently tackle today’s challenges and pursue tomorrow’s possibilities. Together we fuel the future of business. And a more successful world takes shape”.

The World Bank has urged the Nigerian government to increase its investment in nutrition programs, highlighting the potential for substantial economic returns.

According to the global financial institution, “every dollar spent on nutrition could yield up to $23 in returns, underscoring the critical importance of addressing malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations.”

This appeal comes amid alarming rates of child stunting and maternal anemia in Nigeria, which pose serious challenges to the nation’s health and economic development.

The World Bank’s Investment Framework for Nutrition highlights that globally, “Investing in nutrition is not just about health; it’s about economic growth.”

In Nigeria, where 11 million children suffer from stunting and over 50% of pregnant women are anemic, these returns could be even higher, with potential gains of up to $23 for each dollar invested.

Nigeria’s stunting and anemia crisis 

In Nigeria, child stunting and maternal anemia remain severe challenges. UNICEF reports that over 11 million Nigerian children under five are stunted, which is roughly 35% of the child population. Stunting affects cognitive development, physical growth, and future productivity.

Maternal anemia is equally alarming, with over 50% of pregnant women affected. This condition heightens the risk of premature births, low birth weight, and maternal death, further straining Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Scaling up nutrition 

Nigeria stands to benefit substantially from global nutrition investments, especially under the new Investment Framework for Nutrition 2024. The framework estimates that an additional $13 billion annually will be required globally to tackle undernutrition over the next decade, with Sub-Saharan Africa—where Nigeria plays a critical role—needing $34 billion alone to meet its nutrition targets.

For Nigeria, the World Bank emphasizes that the solution lies in scaling up affordable interventions, such as improving maternal and child healthcare, fortifying staple foods, and promoting breastfeeding. For Nigeria, the cost of these interventions—around $17 per child and $13 per pregnant woman per year—is a relatively small price to pay for the long-term gains in productivity and health.

Economic and social impact for Nigeria 

Beyond health, investing in nutrition in Nigeria could yield substantial economic benefits. Underproductive children become underproductive adults, so improving childhood nutrition will enhance labor market productivity. Reducing maternal anemia will improve maternal and infant health, cut healthcare costs, and strengthen families.

Every dollar invested in nutrition could generate a return of $23, contributing to Nigeria’s broader economic and social development goals. These investments would also support Nigeria’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2), which aim to end hunger and improve food security and nutrition.

Financing and policy innovations 

To fund these interventions, Nigeria must adopt innovative approaches, including repurposing agricultural subsidies for healthier diets, increasing taxes on unhealthy foods like sugar-sweetened beverages, and utilizing climate funds to address food insecurity.

Additionally, Nigeria can leverage social bonds and private sector partnerships to support its nutrition programs.

Stronger regulations on food fortification, improved healthcare services, and public awareness campaigns promoting dietary diversity would further bolster these efforts. Promoting exclusive breastfeeding and fortifying staple foods such as rice and maize with essential nutrients will be crucial for combating malnutrition.

What You Should Know  

• As the 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit approaches, Nigeria has an opportunity to significantly enhance its nutrition strategy.
• Scaling up efforts to address child stunting and maternal anemia will improve health outcomes, enhance economic productivity, and reduce the long-term costs of malnutrition in the country.
• With the World Bank’s backing, Nigeria could significantly improve its health outcomes, enhance its labor productivity, and contribute to its broader economic development.

[Nairametrics]

Controversial celebrity crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, has been reportedly arrested by operatives of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at the Seme border while attempting to flee Nigeria to the neighbouring Benin Republic.

This was disclosed by social media activist, Martin Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), via an Instagram post on Monday. According to VDM, Bobrisky was apprehended by Nigerian immigration officers while trying to escape amidst an ongoing investigation by the House of Representatives over bribery allegations against officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) involving the crossdresser.

In the video by VDM, he displayed a message he had received, stating, “Bobrisky was arrested this morning at Seme border post on his way to escape to Benin Republic. He sent someone to help him sign his international passport, and he hid in his car. The Nigerian immigration service is currently holding him.”

VDM has since called on both Bobrisky and the Nigerian Immigration Service to address the rumours and clarify the situation.

The crossdresser’s alleged arrest came amid his scheduled appearance before a legislative panel at the House of Representatives.

LEADERSHIP recalls that Bobrisky had previously been invited in connection to leaked audio recordings in which he allegedly admitted to bribing his way out of prison with the assistance of a powerful “Godfather” and having a money laundering case against him dropped by EFCC.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, Bobrisky was yet to respond to the claims of his arrest or the ongoing investigation.

Officials of Lagos State Government have arrested a birthday celebrant, musician and vendor for allegedly obstructing traffic and creating environmental nuisance.

The suspects were arrested on Saturday for blocking Raymond Njoku Road in Ikoyi during a birthday celebration.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this on Monday in a post on his X handle.

The suspects are: Omolara Ajetumobi, Event Planner; Ogundare Olubunmi, Celebrant; Ayodele Busuyi, Musician; Owoeye Adedayo, Sound Engineer and Akinola Akinkunmi, who is the vendor.

Wahab said the suspects would be tried in court in accordance with the laws of the State.

“The Lagos State Government reiterates that no one is above the law and will not be permitted to disregard State regulations,” he posted.

[DailyTrust]

Since President Bola Tinubu’s October 1 Independence Speech, where he announced to the world that he was ready to organize a youth conference to address the many concerns of young people in Nigeria, not many have come to terms with such a move.

While some people have dismissed it as another round of political jamboree to waste the country’s lean resources, others have concluded that it was yet another smart move to win the youths’ support base ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

In other words, the president was only concerned about how to win his reelection in 2027 and not about the welfare and well-being of the youth as he claimed in the speech.

But, whatever the rationales are, the point is that the president wants to have a parley with the youths, and it would last for 30 days.

It is also given that he wants to find solutions to the challenges and difficulties currently facing the youths; at least that was clearly stated in his speech.

It is equally instructive to note that reactions have been trailing the announcement.

DAILY POST recalls that on Tuesday, October 1, during President Tinubu’s Independence Day Anniversary Speech, he announced his decision to organize a 30-day national youth conference to address the diverse challenges and opportunities confronting young people who constitute more than 60 percent of the country’s population.

The president noted that the aim of the youth confab was to provoke meaningful dialogue and ensure that the voices of the youths were heard in shaping the policies that impact their lives, which according to him, would be a pathway to a brighter future.

However, among the many voices that have kicked against the move is that of a group known as Voters Rights Association of Nigeria (VRAN).

The group has described President Tinubu’s proposed 30-day national youths’ conference as a national jamboree to siphon, embezzle, and squander the proceeds of the fuel subsidy fund.

According to the group’s president, Jezie Ekejiuba, also a human rights lawyer, the proposed youth conference is a national jamboree to provide another opportunity to the inept and corrupt political office holders of the current administration to siphon, embezzle, and squander billions of naira so far saved from the harsh petrol subsidy removal policy of the Tinubu administration.

Ekejiuba is of the opinion that the planned selection, appointment, or election of the delegates for the proposed youth conference would be for the same children or relatives of the current political office holders, and certainly not the children or relatives of the generality of the suffering Nigerian masses or youths.

He further argued that the president does not need such a conference to understand the challenges facing the youths in Nigeria, insisting that several protests, particularly the recent #EndBadGovernance protest, were all clear messages of what the young people are passing through in Nigeria today.

He said: “VRAN wishes to inform President Tinubu that his government does not need the so-called 30-day youth confab to be in the know of the challenges and opportunities confronting our young people.

“The #EndBadGovernance protests nationwide earlier this year were a sad reminder of the problems of not only the Nigerian youths, but also the problems of the Nigerian people as a whole, because the protests clearly threw open the challenges, including but not limited to the insecurity crisis occasioned by Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping, high costs of food, electricity bills, transport services, prohibitive costs of education, health services, and high rate of unemployment, among others, which were caused by the sudden removal of petrol subsidy in the country by the present administration.

“VRAN contends that all that the Nigerian youths deserve now are actions and not rhetoric or voices echoing from the proposed youth conference because, as the saying goes, actions speak louder than words.

“We wish to remind the Tinubu administration that even during the military administration of Gen. Yakubu Gowon when this type of current economic crisis confronted Nigerians, Gowon, with a human face and sympathy, pitied the hungry and suffering Nigerian masses then by introducing a social security programme called the Udoji Awards to alleviate the pangs of the harsh economic policy as being witnessed currently in Nigeria.

“VRAN, hereby, calls on President Tinubu in like manner and with human face and sympathy for the hungry and suffering Nigerian masses to introduce a social security programme that will benefit the generality of the Nigerian populace by the Federal Government of Nigeria undertaking to pay the Dangote Refinery half of the cost price of a litre of every Dangote fuel product to give Nigerians a new lease of life.”

Expressing his views on the development, President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Dr. Pogu Bitrus, disagreed that the proposed 30-day conference would create a forum for the president and the youths to brainstorm and come up with solutions to some of the issues bedeviling the youths in Nigeria. Rather, he emphasized that it would amount to nothing.

He noted that Nigeria has had several conferences, including the 2014 confab organized by former President Goodluck Jonathan, the report of which spelled out solutions to the youths’ problems in Nigeria, insisting that the president should just go ahead and implement the report of that conference if he actually wanted to address the youths’ challenges in Nigeria.

“We have had national conferences in the past. The last one was the 2014 confab, which gave us a blueprint on the way forward on how to achieve a better Nigeria for all Nigerians.

“Things have been addressed across the board, including even things that have to do with the youths. Rather than creating another bureaucracy for political reasons, I think the government needs to look at the 2014 confab report as it affects our youths and other areas to ensure that constitutional amendments get to a level where a lot of the problems that Nigerians are facing can be addressed,” he said.

He is also of the opinion that the youth conference, as is being proposed by President Tinubu, is a political jamboree, whose only objective is to curry the favour and support of the youth for the president’s reelection bid in 2027.

“As far as I am concerned, the proposed 30-day youth conference is a political jamboree. Mr. President is just trying to appeal to the youths for political support. Otherwise, things pertaining to the youths have been clearly spelled out in the 2014 confab report.

“Let those things be implemented so that we can have a better Nigeria where our youths can be tutored to take over from the older generation, so that there will be some mentoring along the line.

“But to just go and have another conference with the youths, to me, is a political gimmick to gain support and have a support base from the youths for the government rather than improving governance in Nigeria,” he submitted.

But, the president of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Yerim Shettima, has a different opinion. He described Mr. President’s proposal as a good idea. He noted that the youth should be seen to be engaged.

“They need to believe that there is hope around them. You need to make them believe in themselves, but that can only happen when you understand them and know what is bothering them. So, I think the government has done well. I commend the president for initiating the idea,” he said.

However, he equally expressed fears that it could end up like other dialogues in the past without any concrete plan to implement its recommendations.

“My fear is, let the dialogue not be one of those engagements where, after everything, papers will be put on the ground and that will be the end of it. There must be a follow-up to implement whatever the resolution of the dialogue will be, and I hope it works,” he stressed.

Dismissing the fear that it could be a ploy to garner support for Tinubu’s 2027 reelection bid and that the 2014 confab report contained every challenge facing the young people and solutions to such problems, he said: “I think this will be different because it will only be centered on the youths.

“The 2014 confab report was all-inclusive; everything was there, but this one will be about the youths alone because they are the direct victims of some of the problems we are facing today. So, I think they are two different things.”

Also, in his contribution, a lawyer and public affairs commentator, Ikechukwu Onodi, did not believe that anything good would come from the youth conference.

He described it as a diversionary and settlement tactic which the current All Progressives Congress (APC) government has employed over time.

He noted that its only objective is to keep the masses busy and push their attention away from the main issue, which is looting and bad governance—a development he said had brought untold economic hardship in the land.

He said: “The idea of a 30-day youth conference is a diversionary and settlement strategy of the governments over time. The main idea is to give people something to talk about while the looting and misgovernance continue.”

He also agreed with those who hold the opinion that the conference is meant to pave the way for massive youth support for President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027.

“It’s also one of the strategies towards bribing the youths for possible acceptance in 2027. You will recall that the APC was a hard sell to the youths during the 2023 general elections, and to avoid a repeat of the 2023 experience with the youth, this is one of the plans,” he submitted.

The judicial career of Francis Chukwuma Abosi was supposed to last only seven years. In the event, he did 12 and may well have reached 20 years if events had not intervened. In his 12th year as a judge in April 2020, while serving as the acting president of the Customary Court of Appeal of Imo state in south-east Nigeria, the National Judicial Council (NJC) mercifully ended it all.

When he attended the Nigerian Law School, as all Nigerian lawyers must, Francis Abosi deposed that he was born in November 1950. On his appointment as a judge in 2008, therefore, Francis Abosi was 58. At the time, the retirement age of all judges was 65. This meant he would have been due to retire in 2015. 

In 2008 also, a judge could only retire on their terminal salary as pension if they had served for at least 15 years. In the case of Francis Abosi, he well knew that based on his date of birth, he was eight years short of what he needed to be eligible to retire on his terminal salary as his judicial pension.

The answer to this problem was rather straightforward – Francis Abosi edited his birth year from 1950 to 1958. This act added eight years to the seven that he would have served, bringing his notional judicial tenure to 15 years, at which point he would have been entitled to his terminal salary as his judicial pension.

What Francis Abosi could not do, however, was alter the filings he had done prior to becoming a judge, especially those he made upon matriculation as an undergraduate and also on admission to the Nigerian Law School. Upon being appointed to act as the president of the Customary Court of Appeal, they caught up with him. In April 2020, the NJC found him guilty of  “the falsification of his date of birth from 1950 to 1958. Findings showed that he was supposed to have retired in November 2015 when he clocked the mandatory retirement age of Sixty-five (65) years.”

Francis Abosi’s feat of genealogical management had far-reaching consequences. He became president of the Customary Court of Appeal of Imo state nearly three years after he should have retired. That means he took someone else’s job unlawfully. It could have been worse. Had the NJC not stopped him, Francis Abosi would have been in the position in 2023 when the age of retirement changed from 65 to 70, meaning that he would have been on the job until 2028 when biologically he would have been 78. That would have given him 15 years of judicial service beyond his due retirement age.

Abosi was not alone in the business of injudicious emendation. One of his peers in the 2008 cohort of appointments to the judiciary in Imo state was Theresa Eberechukwu Chikeka. A graduate of the University of Maiduguri, Theresa Chikeka became a lawyer in 1982 and did her National Youth Service Corps at the Borno state ministry of justice, which employed her thereafter as state counsel. There she worked for the first ten years of her professional career before transferring her service to Imo state in 1993. 

Up to this point, Theresa Chikeka’s records indicate that she was born on October 27, 1956. With this date of birth, she would have attained retirement at 65 in 2021, two years short of the 15 years of service which would have entitled her to retire on her terminal judicial salary. Borrowing a leaf from Francis Abosi’s book of elastic genealogy, it seems, Theresa Chikeka also adapted her age sometime in 2006, changing her birth year from 1956 to 1958 and making her eligible to retire in October 2023 instead of 2021. 

Indeed, according to records in the possession of the Imo State Judicial Service Commission which has looked into the issue, the affidavit deposed to Theresa Chikeka’s mother in support of her new birth year claimed that she was born in 1958, without providing the day or month on which she was extruded from the womb.

On 28 June 2022, the Imo State House of Assembly (IMSHA) confirmed Theresa Chikeka as chief judge. This was more than eight months after she should have retired as a judge. In other words, the house of assembly confirmed as chief judge a person who was – as a matter of law – not a judge on the date that they did so. 

In 2023, when the age of retirement of judges of the high court was increased to 70 from 65, Theresa Chikeka received another five years of judicial life as chief judge when in fact she should have been in retirement two years earlier in 2021.

These facts are not seriously in dispute. 

On 14 June 2024, one Comrade Ndubuisi Onyemaechi, on behalf of a group called the Civil Society Engagement Platform (CSEP), filed a petition with the Imo state house of assembly in Owerri alleging that the chief judge had unlawfully edited her age. This allegation goes to the heart of Rule 1(3) of the Judicial Code of Conduct in Nigeria which stipulates that “a judicial officer should respect and comply with the laws of the land and should conduct himself at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary”.

The IMSHA referred this to its judiciary committee, which began investigations the following month. They invited Theresa Chikeka to attend but she declined. In a letter to the house dated 12 July 2024, she claimed that “the provisions of the guidelines of my office…. do not permit me to appear before any Investigation Panel (sic) other than a panel set up by the National Judicial Council”.

On 17 July, the judiciary committee reported to the IMSHA in plenum which voted through a resolution calling for the removal of Theresa Chikeka as chief judge for falsifying her age. Moments after this vote, on the same day, the chief judge served the house with an ex-parte order of the federal high court in Owerri restraining the house from taking the vote that it had already concluded.

Matters have since then relocated to the NJC which now has cognisance of the allegations against Theresa Chikeka. Having previously told the IMSHA that she cannot answer to any panel except one constituted by the NJC, Theresa Chikeka now tells the NJC that she cannot answer to their panel because of an interim order of the federal high court, which has lapsed. On this artifice, she presently claims to function in an office for which she was ineligible to begin with.

In the last week, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, voiced concerns about the credibility of the judicial branch that she leads, appearing rather incredulously to suggest that it is a function of how many judgments and rulings judges produce. 

The CJN must realise that no one will take her seriously if she continues to prove unwilling and unable to act swiftly to get rid of the person who now desecrates the office first occupied in 1976 by Akunne Chukwudifu Oputa.

The least anyone can ask of those who hold leadership positions in the judiciary is that they are fit in law to serve as judges. Theresa Chikeka is not. She ceased to be a judge in October 2021. Allowing her to hang on as chief judge of Imo state today is egregiously unlawful. The NJC owes Francis Abosi an apology and a recall if Madam CJN continues to prove unwilling and unable to get rid of Theresa Chikeka.

 Let her go! 

A lawyer and a teacher, Odinkalu can be reached at chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu 

In justice’s halls, your voice resounds bright,

A beacon of hope, casting forth gentle light.
With wisdom profound and courage unchained,
You lead with integrity, your spirit unfeigned.

From the roots of our land, you’ve soared to the sky,
A guardian of truth, ever noble and spry.
With each choice you make, new pathways you weave,
A champion of progress, in whom we believe.

Today, we gather, our hearts filled with grace,
As Afe Babalola University bestows this honorary embrace.
A Doctor of Law, for your battles so grand,
For justice and honor, you steadfastly stand.

Your journey inspires the daring and bold, it mentors me,
From University of Jos our common pedigree, your story unfolds.
To Aare Afe Babalola’s Emmanuel Chambers, a colossus you grew,
In your shadow, I learned also, your vision imbued.

A testament to dreams that are bravely retold,
With each step you take, a new future unfolds.
Guiding us forth with your visionary hand,
You empower the hearts of this beautiful land.

May this honor remind you, as you light the way,
That your legacy flourishes in all that you say.
For in every word spoken, and each life you touch,
You’ve woven a future that matters so much.

So here’s to you, Prince, the Doctor of Law, on this glorious day,
May your passion and purpose forever hold sway.
As you rise ever higher, may your spirit be free,
In the annals of justice, your name shall always be.

Dated the 21st Day of October, 2024

-Dt Olukayode Ajulo OON, SAN
Attorney General of Ondo State

“The reason we talk today is the reason we counseled yesterday against replacing destroyers with predators. We said last year do not vote for election, vote for structure. Let us break down this house and rebuild it so that we can all be safe. “It is very difficult, indeed almost impossible, to maintain liberty in a republic that has become corrupt or to establish it there anew” (Machiavelli). We ignored structure and everyone gave their electoral waist beads to their own child. Votes were reduced to abject ornaments for voluptuous behinds. Machiavelli wrote again, “people are often misled to desire their own ruin.”

“All music comes from Africa,” African pop singer, Angélique Kidjo, told an interviewer in 2023. Kidjo’s dad is Fon; her mum is Yoruba. Kidjo waxed lyrical. She said she came from a culture “where you spend 10 minutes saying good morning, how is your father? How is your grandmother?” In every story, every conversation, there is at least a song. And that includes Kidjo’s ten-minute greetings. I feel her. As a Yoruba, I am expected to make anything sing. The unpleasant, if sung the right way, will be good music. That is why we are advised to laugh at any occurrence the severity of which sobbing and weeping cannot redeem. And, so, in spite of everything, the time to sing, dance and laugh is now.

At 4.50 pm on 29 May, 2023, a lady of influence tweeted: “You either accept Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and Kashim Shettima GCON as your president & vice president respectively or join the wailers for the next 4 years, at least, or 8 years. And if you ask me, wailing for 8 years will be emotionally exhausting. If a new Nigeria is your concern, you’ll pray to God to guide our leaders right irrespective of the party you belong in.”

That was a few hours after Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu became president and pronounced “subsidy gone.”

Fast forward to 10:30 am on 9 September, 2024. The X influencer tweeted: “I am fully committed to campaigning for and supporting any better candidate who can defeat this government in 2027, regardless of their party. For me, removing PBAT is a personal mission and a priority. In shaa Allah.”

Our lady has clearly violated the 4-years-or-8-years timeline she gave us just one short year ago. What has changed that has soured the romance?

In case you are scouring the ocean beds in search of what crime the president committed which has cost him the love of this prime supporter, a window opened at 11:23am on 15 October, 2024. The lady tweeted: “Are we really just going to sit back and accept that spending 100,000 Naira a week on fuel is now the norm? That’s 400,000 Naira a month. How many of us can actually afford this? And meanwhile, electricity costs have shot up by nearly 400%. Are we okay with being drained financially just to survive, or are we ready to question why we’re being squeezed like this?”

The last time I checked, the above tweet had attracted almost 800,000 views. Many who replied to the lady’s tweets abused her. They shouldn’t have. When Saul came back from Damascus and became Paul, how was he received? I commend this lady for her forthrightness. At least, unlike others, she didn’t subscribe to John Milton’s fallen character in ‘Paradise Lost’ who loses and shouts: “…farewell hope, and with hope farewell fear” but goes ahead to yell “Farewell remorse: all good to me is lost; Evil be thou my good.” To that Miltonic character, repentance and remorse are too high a price to pay for whatever sin he had committed. The lady here is one of millions with blisters of buyer’s remorse under their skirts. But she came out to yell and bail out of the abusive love. I commend her. Out of the eight million who voted in this government, there must now be at least seven million sipping the ale of regret quietly in public but cursing King Macbeth privately under their creaky beds. Evil should stop being their good. Because of tomorrow, their buyer’s remorse should stop pressing the mute button.

In 1994, Angélique Kidjo released ‘Agolo’ an album that contains the song: ‘Orio rio/ Ola djou monké n’lo/ Ola djou monké/ Ola djou monké n’lo’. What is she saying? The wordings are obviously in her Quidah, Benin Republic Yoruba. The Oyo-Yoruba in me has no difficulty in situating the root of the lyrics in one of her mum’s folksongs, ‘Ori Ori o Olajumoke nlo…’ There is a story behind that song. And this is where I am going. The folksong rose to meet me when I read the tweets I started this piece with.

The ‘Olajumoke’ song is a lyricised Yoruba folk story about the consequences of rash choices. It says that if you are going to choose a husband or wife, open your eyes, the inner and the outer. The dude you are dying to have may be an empty tin (agolo/pangolo), an àgbá òfìfo (empty barrel).

The story goes that Olajumoke was the most beautiful girl in the village and she knew it. Suitors came after suitors. None was handsome enough to match the taste of the fussy, finicky damsel.

One bright sunny day, a very handsome young man sauntered into the marketplace. The dude is a complete stranger, the type the clairvoyant would see and describe as a beautiful snake. The enchanting young man’s out-of-this-world elegance charmed Olajumoke. The strangeness of his person and his suspicious entry did not alarm Olajumoke. They instead combined to disarm her. She melted and commenced a session of comely stalking, and followed the love of her life up and down the market.

The sun was going down; buying and selling was over. Bobo Handsome commenced his exit from the market but noticed this beautiful girl following him. He asked why. Olajumoke broke all rules and protocols of village romance. She toasted the unknown man of uncommon allure. “Let us be husband and wife.” The strange man was forthright. He couldn’t marry her. “I am Orí (head), a complete stranger here. My place is beyond the Blue Sea (Odò Aró) and even far after the Red Sea (Odò Èjè). You can see that we cannot be husband and wife.”

Because love is blind, Olajumoke would have none of what the stranger was saying. Remember Angélique’s line:

“Ifé ayé ilé /Igbadoun foun ayé (Love in this world is strong/ It is pleasure for the world)”.

The lady of beauty insisted she would follow the strange man to wherever on earth. Then Orí, the young man, lunged into a burst of songs. “Leave me/ If you don’t turn back, we will get to the Sea of indigo/ If you don’t leave, we will reach the Sea of blood…”

The lady of our story did not heed the warnings, neither did she contemplate a change of resolve. She must marry this man of means and colour. That was how she followed a complete stranger on a journey of love. It was a long trek across daylight and moonlight. Then, they reached and crossed the Blue Sea. Soon, they reached and crossed the Red Sea. Then, things moved very fast for the lovey-dovey girl. It turned out that everything that gave the man elegance was borrowed. He started dropping the parts one by one where he got them. He started with his arms, and then his legs. The spirits that loaned them to him got back their properties. Then the torso, the flesh, the hairs and the nails. Every minute part was a borrowed item and the lender got back their properties. Orí is no longer what we call head. What he is is one ugly, scary skull. Now, beautiful girl knew she was in deep trouble. She is married to a Skull – deathly and deadly. She no do again. She told Orí but the ex-handsome man said it was too late; their romance was till death do them part.

Skull did what captors do with their victims. To ensure his ‘wife’ did not escape, Orí decided to ‘bell’ her with waist beads. Each time beautiful Olajumoke attempted to run away, the beads alerted the husband, jingling: “Ori Ori o Olajumoke nlo (Skull, Skull, Olajumoke is running away).” How did this girl get back her freedom? Did she ever get a reprieve? Well, the conclusions are as varied as the storytellers and where they belong.

How Olajumoke chose her husband is the way we choose our leaders. The signs are always there that the masquerade we are costuming will most certainly snatch the singlet we have as our only garment. Like Mr. Skull, they do not hide who they are. The parts that make up their bodies of intelligence are unreal; they are borrowed. The only parts that are truly theirs are the fingers – for counting billions.

“Omo eni kò sè’dí bèbèrè” was the battle cry of Tinubu’s campaigners in Yorubaland last year. Everything was reduced to beads (ìlèkè) and bottoms (ìdí). Any Yoruba person who campaigned against the child of the house was a bastard. We asked the past why it invented (ìlèkè ìdí) (waist beads) for girls only. The past told us it was for reasons of beauty – rounded hips, slim waists, etc. We asked what else? We are told the beads also tell which girl is chaste and which is not – or likely to be not. The loose loosen their waists; they walk and roll the beads pushing the world into libidinous wars. Where such is seen, waywardness robs such girls of parental adornments. That was why some of us insisted in 2023 that not all omo and their big bottoms deserved the land’s ìlèkè. But they said our mouths smelt bad. What did we know?

The reason we talk today is the reason we counseled yesterday against replacing destroyers with predators. We said last year do not vote for election, vote for structure. Let us break down this house and rebuild it so that we can all be safe. “It is very difficult, indeed almost impossible, to maintain liberty in a republic that has become corrupt or to establish it there anew” (Machiavelli). We ignored structure and everyone gave their electoral waist beads to their own child. Votes were reduced to abject ornaments for voluptuous behinds. Machiavelli wrote again, “people are often misled to desire their own ruin.”

When Sani Abacha took over the government in 1993, people clapped for the kingmaker who had made himself king. They said he was a wrong-righter. When by 1994 it became clear Abacha was determined to sit still on the June 12 election and the mandate it conferred, MKO Abiola went philosophical: Ìlèkè tó sò’dí òpòló ni ejò gbé wò yí o (a string of beads is found to be too large for Toad’s waist, Snake now goes for it). It is the same today. Check toad, check snake, measure their waists, solve the riddle.

Some regime backers, last week, told the newspaper columnist to stop his criticisms of the president and his bumbling presidency. “Provide solutions,” the persons yelled in forwarded messages. Well, the columnist did not campaign last year to be beaded with power. The columnist’s duty is to tell the king that he is naked. If the naked, his clothiers and courtiers do not know the solution to the nakedness, then, what else is there to say other than sing in musician Lagbaja’s voice: “Mo sorri fun gbogbo yin l’okookan.”

I am not done with Angélique Kidjo and the interview in which she spoke the words I quoted earlier. It is in the 29 June, 2023 edition of The Telegraph of the U.K. In her words is a warning to the ‘victorious’ to know how very slippery the mountaintop is. The powerful who think they stand firm and therefore could betray the ground that holds their ladder should hear out Angélique: “I didn’t get here because I decided to be number one. I got here because people decided to listen to me. The people who put you up here, well, they can always pull you down.” Wisdom. But ‘they’ won’t listen. Their ears are like Ori’s body parts – borrowed – and collected back by the lenders.