Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju, Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University has advised the Federal Government to select public office holders by merit.
Prof. Olukoju speaking on the topic “Nigeria’s Cultural Tapestry and the Challenge of Development” at the 15th Convocation and Investiture of new fellows of The Nigeria Academy of Letters (NAL) in UNILAG, made this remark, stating that Federal Character and Quota System should give way for the country to be rebuild.
He said: “leaders must be able to invent the Nigerian Dream, an articulated vision of a nation held together by the powers of our cultural links, the muscle of our human and natural resources, the backbone of criss-crossing physical and social infrastructure, and the blood of social justice and good governance. If such a leadership could emerge, even in the face of daunting odds, if there is devolution to the regions, and if the famed federal might is applied to solving national problems, and not used as feral might to oppress and impoverish, then, the Nigerian centenary could well lead to the Nigerian century.”
Olukoju said that a new leadership culture must be developed from the cradle, adding that Nigerian history must be taught in secondary schools as a compulsory subject to equip citizens with a sound knowledge of the society.
He further urged that equity and the welfare of the people should be the government’s battle cry, stressing that only by doing this that the gulf between diversity and development could be bridged and allow for an educated, enlightened and patriotic leadership capable of galvanizing the people for development.
