Prof. (Mrs.) Victoria Kikelomo Olugbemi has advocated a complete departure from Eurocentric political systems in Nigeria, urging African leaders to embrace indigenous governance frameworks rooted in precolonial traditions, gender equity, and cultural values as a foundation for national stability and sustainable development.
Olugbemi, a professor of Socio-Cultural History and Gender Studies, made the call on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, while delivering the 40th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.
She said, “African civilization remains the most enduring in history. Therefore, African leaders should have a complete shift from modelling their political systems after European structures and instead adopt indigenous frameworks to accelerate development of Africa's local and regional development.
“The National Assembly should shift their focus from looking outside Nigeria and Africa for suitable political system if we want Nigeria to become a developed nation. It is my belief that the system of checks and balances in African Kingdoms before the advent of the two Abrahamic religions which ensured political stability can serve as a foundation for building a resilient and prosperous nation in Nigeria.”
Prof. Olugbemi emphasised the sanctity of traditional leadership, asserting that “traditional rulers, as descendants of royal bloodlines, should be seen as divine representatives.” She insisted that their selection and installation must strictly follow “precolonial customs and traditions,” rather than government procedures.
According to the Inaugural Lecturer, the monarchs were “ordained by God” and must never be treated as political appointees. She further clarified that “traditional institutions have their own internal mechanisms of checks and balances,” which should be used to address misconduct, not the transient structures of modern government.
On gender and national development, Prof. Olugbemi argued that, “A nation’s strength lies in achieving gender balance”, noting that both men and women must have equal opportunities to shape and sustain national progress. She maintained that societies must move ‘beyond the limitations of patriarchy and authoritarianism’, recognising that gender, religion, and culture, when interwoven positively, act as ‘forces of liberation and pillars for rebuilding a powerful and stable Nigeria.’
She noted that gender, religion, and culture were pivotal to the fortunes of any nation, saying, “They determine the survival or collapse of empires,” she said, adding that the way leaders, institutions, and the media frame these issues in national discourse must be done with “careful consideration to avoid triggering instability.”
Prof. Olugbemi also emphasised that inclusive and quality education for both males and females remained a foundational pillar for national development. She stated that, “Education nurtures political stability through mutual respect and collaboration.”
To meet this goal, she urged all three tiers of government to “increase budgetary allocations to accommodate the surging demands in student population, teaching personnel, instructional materials, and school infrastructure.”Criticizing government favoritism toward private institutions, Prof. Olugbemi said, “Approving more private universities while neglecting public ones contradicts the government’s own Education for All (EFA) mandate.”
She further advised that the school curriculum be overhauled to foster civic consciousness and patriotism. “Training students in national history and civic responsibilities,” she said, “will promote an egalitarian society and strengthen the foundations of nation-building.”
Olugbemi called for immediate attention to the plight of out-of-school children, noting that, “Bringing them into adult education systems can alleviate hunger and poverty” and support Nigeria’s efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly gender equality and lifelong learning.
In his Opening Remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, had eulogised the Inaugural Lecturer for her dedication to scholarship, gender advocacy, and service to humanity.
The VC added, “I express my sincere appreciation to Professor Kikelomo Victoria Olugbemi for her tireless commitment to academic excellence, the advancement of knowledge and the uplift of our University. Her work has left an indelible mark on this University and on the broader academic and gender equity scene.”
Post a Comment