Prof Babafemi Adesina Badejo has advocated for a confederal system of government to explore the diverse dimensions of interest at all levels. This he said will ensure national growth and development.
The call was made on 5th July, 2023 while delivering the maiden edition of the Inaugural lecture at the Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Nigeria. The Inaugural lecture themed: "Interests" expatiate the diverse dimensions of interest at individual, groups, state, national and international levels. He explored the subject matter as a powerful tool that is used to drive human actions and shape the course of our world because politics is the essence of interest.
The professor of Political Science and International Relations advocated for a strong Confederal system of government which he assured would solve many problems of Nigeria including corruption. He said this is necessary because it will create a weak centre and give more power to the states and other federating units to operate at their own capacity. He opined that this would allow for a strong and healthy competition, with every unit managing its resources, like it was in the 1963. "A Confederal arrangement would work and not the idea of restructuring which is just another gab of deceit." He described our present system of government as militarized because the military stayed in power for too long. He added that militarized mentality affects the way we think through things in like manner; from the top to bottom, from the federal to the states and local governments. To come out of this wood therefore, the Inaugural lecturer recommended that every federating unit take charge of their territory, "so that the idea of waiting for federal allocation will have no place but to work."
The erudite Professor also used the opportunity to caution those who look up to the developed countries to help resolve our internal problems as a country to deceased from such illusion. This he said would not work because international entities have their own interest which they tenaciously pursue in international politics to perpetrate their interest which is first beneficial to them before others interests. "They would rather sabotage and exploit us rather than help because they are out for their own interest. It's part of the game." He therefore called on those with such thinking to jettison the idea and look inward to solving national issues.
While commenting about the present government, he said President Tinubu will perform far better than President Buhari, but not in the area of corruption. He said this is so because the objective realities of weak institutions which are inherent in our system are beyond President Tinubu. He recommended that to reduce corruption, there is the need to pursue a holistic policy. "There is a united nations anti corruption strategy that we signed but never implemented. If we can go back to deal with that and build the political will, then we are on the way to reduce corruption." He assured.
The university don advocated for quality leadership across board in the face of the present leadership deficit. He asserted that competent leadership is necessary in every facet of our life to check corruption which he said blooms widely in Nigeria, in public and private sectors. The don raises hope that corruption can be minimised if we all can be committed to raise new breed who are not corrupt.
Commenting on the event, the VC of Chrisland University described it as a landmark event and commended the intellectual score card of the inaugural lecturer. She said the rationale for the introduction of inaugural lecture into the University scheme is basically instituted on the fact that Chrisland University has started raising professors that: “we can call Chrisland appointed professors, and Inaugural lectures are opportunities for professors to tell the world what really makes them professors” She proudly said.
Prof Peace Babalola further hinted about the lecture as simply establishing a connecting links between interest and corruption which she said is rooted in ethnic bias, racial discrimination, religion intolerance, etc, because people have different interest.
Miss Osaweh, 400 level student of Chrisland University, the Department, said the lecture enrich her knowledge and prepares her for the task of fighting corruption and bad leadership. She requests that academic exercise of such should always be scheduled to expose young students to the intrigues of academia.
Another student, Adama James of criminology tolled similar line, commending the lecture as quite rewarding to his discipline. He enjoined all other students to key into the core value of the lecture to ensure their interest are positively driven.
The colourful event has so many dignitaries in attendance, which include High Chief Dr (Mrs) W. A Awosika and other members of the University Board. Representatives of leadcity University, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Lagos; students and staff of Chrisland University and dignitaries from all walks of life graced the occasion.
