Muslim lecturers Association has called for a stronger integration of academic expertise into Nigeria’s governance architecture, warning that the country’s persistent development challenges cannot be overcome without evidence-based policymaking and greater participation of intellectuals in public leadership.
MLA made the call during the 2026 Democracy Day Discourse (DDD), organised virtually by the association’s Committee on National Issues, Development and Advocacy (C-NIDA) on Democracy Day, they expressed concern over what they described as a growing “deficit of intellectual influence” in governance.
Participants noted that academics remain largely excluded from political leadership and key decision-making processes despite their expertise and capacity to provide evidence-based solutions.
The event, themed “Classrooms to Cabinets: Activating Academic Leadership for Democracy and Governance,” brought together scholars, policymakers, civil society actors, students and citizens to examine the role of academia in deepening democracy and advancing national development.
Speaking at the discourse were Professor Ismail Ibraheem of the University of Lagos, Dr. Yinusa Olumuyiwa of Olabisi Onabanjo University, and Associate Professor Olanike Adelakun of Lead City University, Ibadan. The session was moderated by Dr. Lukman Raimi, Chairman of C-NIDA and Assistant Professor at Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
In a communiqué signed by Dr. Lukman Raimi, Chairman of C-NIDA and Convener of the Democracy Day Discourse and made available to The Nation on Sunday, the discourse observed that universities must reclaim their historic role as drivers of national transformation by generating ideas that influence public policy and institutional reforms.
Participants lamented the persistent disconnect between knowledge production and policy implementation in Nigeria, arguing that many research findings from universities rarely translate into actionable government policies.
The panelists also identified poverty and the rising cost of politics as major obstacles preventing competent academics and professionals from seeking public office.
They warned that the commercialisation of politics and the influence of political godfathers continue to undermine democratic accountability and discourage principled leadership.
According to the communiqué, sustainable democracy depends more on strong institutions than powerful individuals. Participants stressed that weak institutions create opportunities for corruption, policy inconsistency and governance failures regardless of who occupies public office.
Beyond electoral politics, the discourse highlighted the significant roles academics can play through policy advisory services, legislative support, public advocacy, consultancy, civil service leadership and institutional reforms.
Participants further noted that the credibility and integrity traditionally associated with academics remain valuable assets that can help strengthen public trust in democratic institutions.
The event also examined challenges confronting the nation’s higher education sector, including the continued migration of academics and professionals abroad. While attributing the “Japa” phenomenon to inadequate funding, poor working conditions and limited research opportunities, participants acknowledged the emergence of “brain circulation,” whereby Nigerians in the diaspora continue to contribute expertise and networks to national development.
Special attention was given to the barriers facing women in governance. The discourse noted that women academics encounter discrimination, stereotypes and social constraints that limit their political participation, calling for stronger institutional support and greater representation of women and youth in leadership positions.
To address these concerns, the forum proposed several policy measures, including the establishment of a National Academic Policy Fellowship Programme, reduction of financial barriers to political participation, creation of Academic Advisory Councils at all levels of government, increased funding for research and innovation, and the development of a National Knowledge-to-Policy Framework.
The participants also urged governments to institutionalise consultations with universities before introducing major public policies and recommended integrating leadership, citizenship and governance education into university curricula.
The communiqué concluded that Nigeria’s democratic future depends not only on electoral processes but also on the effective mobilisation of the nation’s intellectual capital.
“The transition from classrooms to cabinets should not be limited to elective office alone but should reflect a broader commitment to ensuring that knowledge, integrity, competence and public service become the foundation of governance in Nigeria,” the communiqué stated
