The Vice-Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, has challenged Nigerian sociologists and academics to be at the forefront of strategic efforts to reverse the exodus of youths and other citizens from the country.
Prof. Agboola, who gave the charge at the 29th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Anthropological and Sociological Practitioners Association (NASA) held at the University’s Main Campus, Ago-Iwoye, declared that the solutions to Nigeria’s challenges lie not only in government policies, but also in the active engagement of the academic community, civil society and others who seek a better future.
The conference with the theme, “Rebuilding Nigeria: Approach to Effective Governance and Social Transformation,” was organised in conjunction with the Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies.
Speaking in his office while receiving the NASA delegation led by its President, Prof. Hauwa’u Evelyn Yusuf, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the increasing wave of emigration of Nigerians abroad, otherwise called japa syndrome, posed serious challenges for the country.
Prof. Agboola warned that the repercussion of japa may be grave for Nigeria in the next 20 years, urging the academic community to come up with workable solutions to the myriad of socio-economic and political problems facing the nation.
He said, “We are the only ones that can solve our problem; the white people (foreigners) will not come back here and solve it for us, no matter how they love us. Let’s stop deceiving ourselves. If they love you, they won’t be taking our best brains away.”
“I think this is what the eggheads need to sit down and critically look at. Let us forget about these politicians here and there that are leading us today. Given all these problems that we are facing, we can come together and find a way as academics.”
Delivering his address at the conference, the Vice-Chancellor expressed optimism that a more prosperous, just and harmonious Nigeria can be built.
According to him, the academics have a vital role to play in rebuilding the country and it is their duty to contribute to the intellectual and practical frameworks that will drive the nation’s transformation.
Prof. Agboola added, “As we look toward rebuilding Nigeria, it is imperative that we engage in a candid dialogue about how to reshape our governance systems, reform our institutions, and transform our society into one where justice, equity, and opportunity are not just ideals, but realities for all citizens.
“Our approach to effective governance and social transformation must be holistic, inclusive, and sustainable. It must take into account the diversity of Nigeria’s people, recognising that our strength lies in our differences—our ethnic, cultural and religious diversity. At the same time, it must prioritise unity, stability and the creation of opportunities that are accessible to all.”
In her speech, Prof. Yusuf said NASA conferences have consistently proven to be invaluable platforms for scholarly exchange, networking and professional development, adding that they provide opportunities for researchers to present their work, engage in stimulating discussions and forge lasting collaborations.
The NASA President thanked OOU for graciously accepting to host this year’s conference, saying the University’s unwavering support and commitment to academic excellence made the event possible.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Obatunde Bright Adetola, said the event was aimed at engaging in discussions that could point to possibilities to end the crisis of development in Nigeria.
Highpoints of the conference included the conferment of Fellowship awards of the association on Prof. Adetola and ten other distinguished Nigerians as well as roundtable discussion to address some basic challenges confronting the teaching and research activities of Sociologists.
The other awardees included Prof. John Oyefara Lekan, HE Manassah Daniel Jatau, Dr David Olom Nkpe, Dr Martha Uchenna Ogbuke, Hon. Adamu Inuwa Ibrahim, Senator Stephen Odey, Commander Olusegun Ogungbemide, Mr Kazeem Abiodun, Mrs Bolanle Oniyitan and Prof. Oka Martin Obolo.
