NSUK 37 Inaugural Lecture: Professor Aliegba tasks Nigerian leaders on national development

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-urges Nigerian leaders to learn from South Korea

By Samuel Torlumun

A Professor of Political Economy and Development Studies, and inaugural lecturer of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), 37 Inaugural Lecture Series, Eugene Tarkende Aliegba has urged Nigerian leadership to be more patriotic and nationalistic toward development and industrialization of Nigeria.

In a an inaugural lecture titled, ‘The Developmental State and Industrialization in Nigeria, Lessons from South Korea’ held at Main Campus of NSUK on Wednesday, the Professor faulted Nigerians leaders for not doing enough for the development of the country after independence.

The DVC Academics, Prof. Aliegba and Dr. Mrs Aliegba

He argued that it is rather unfortunate that despite the enormous human and natural resources, Nigeria is still backward, urging Nigerians leaders to learn from their counterparts in South Korea.

Comparing Nigerian leadership on both political and economic bases with their Korean counterparts, he posited; “argument has been that the South Korean Comprador class in it deeply dependent state was an instrument of its development same with its military and bureaucratic class; all were able to create history distinct though alongside the roles imperialism but caused and conditioned them to play the interest of the local Korean Economy and people.

“On the other hand, the Nigerian Comprador class was involved in historical role of fragrant neglect of it interest rather concentrated on embezzlement of funds meant for industrial development. Even what the dependent imperial state or Neo-colonial state had on the ground was administered more for the benefit of international capital with the tacit collaboration with the national Bourgeoisie”.

Arguing further, he noted that with all attendant challenges a patriotic, nationalistic and determined indigenous class/bourgeoise class can and should propel a meaningful industrial development, thereby creating a positive role in Nigeria’s history.

Prof. Aliegba therefore called for massive investment in infrastructure, education and development of human talent. He advocated for quality research geared towards development of science and technology.

Also, proposing immediate stop on the policy of converting polytechnics into universities, Aliegba cited that in 2017, China converted 600 universities to polytechnics, warning that if Nigeria wants to be among developed countries of the world she must change her attitude toward technical and vocational education.

Other recommendations advanced by the scholar from the Korean example include; enshrining of norms and values, need for strong state and strong leaders, avoidance of public debt, good governance and consistent implementations of programmes, strong motivated private sector, strategic planning and industrialization, encouragement of local automobile companies and reduce patronage of assembled cars, protection of local industries, addition of military training for NYSC among others.

Former Governor of Benue State, Sen. Dr. Gabriel Suswam

Earlier in his opening remark, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed said the caption of the lecture is apt coming at the time in Nigeria where thing needed to be done differently as the country yearns for industrial development more than ever before.

Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Professor Abdullahi Moddibo, the VC said the university under the current leadership has 138 professors. He added that before that advent of the administration, only 6 professors had their inaugural lectures, but as at now, over 31 professors have had their inaugural lectures.

“For those of us in the academy we know that inaugural lectures are part of the indices that we use in knowing the performances of any leadership in the university. The administration is committed to continue to support this programme. From now to January we have about three professors on cue waiting to make their presentations. So, I want to use this opportunity to encourage our professors to come and showcase themselves so that the country and international community will know that we have international weapons in this university,” he pointed out.

He said the advantage of the exercise apart from showcasing the university, also, showcases the individual professors, adding that as a political scientist of international repute, Aliegba has a lot to offer.

In his goodwill message, a former Governor of Benue State, Sen. Dr. Gabriel Suswam who traced his relationship with Prof. Aliegba dating back to teenage in school, said when destiny beckoned on him to become governor of Benue State, Aliegba added a lot value to his accomplishments, while working as one of the cabinet members.

Sen. Suswan prayed for more wisdom to enable the scholar to continue to impart positively on the nation and international community.

Hon. Joshua Audu Gana, member HoR

Speaking to journalists on the sideline, Hon. Joshua Audu Gana, member, House of Representatives from Niger State who is also student of Professor Aliegba said the thoughts shared by the scholar in the inaugural lecture are the ones if adhered to will bring accelerated development to Nigeria.

“A lecture like this should not just be kept aside; it should be brought to the mainstream, studied and when Federal Ministers are having their retreats people like him should be invited to come and provoked their minds, so that all the ministries who have roles to play in development will look at it and draw policies that can be implemented in the short, middle and long terms”. The Lawmaker noted.

The event was attended by top government functionaries including the Governor of Benue State, represented by his Deputy, diplomat, traditional leaders, religious, political leaders, academia, among others.