Foremost historian, Professor Toyin Falola has raised a 12-point agenda if Africa’s largest country would progress, noting that revamped political institutions, economic diversification, social inclusion, equity reforms, and a focus on technological innovations to build a sustainable future are critical aspects of the nation’s overall needs.
He made this call while delivering the fourth Convocation Lecture of the Koladaisi University, Ibadan, on Thursday. Falola is the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities, Professor of History, and University Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Texas at Austin. He had served as the Kluge Chair of the Countries and Culture of the South, the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
In the lecture titled: ‘Advancing Nigeria’s Future’, Falola argued that the quest for progress in Nigeria, as in any country, is a complex task designed to address concomitant political, economic, social, and technological challenges, insisting that Nigeria must navigate its path forward with a focus on these key areas.
On economic diversification, Prof. Falola pointed out the limitations of Nigeria’s dependence on oil revenues, which he argued have constrained the country’s growth for decades. “We should look beyond oil and into agriculture, manufacturing, services, and technology,” he said, proposing fiscal incentives and tax breaks to stimulate local industries and attract foreign investors. Highlighting the success of the solid minerals sector, he recommended a similar approach for agribusiness and renewable energy, envisioning these areas as vital to a resilient, productive, and diversified economy.
Infrastructure development also received significant attention in his address. Prof. Falola stressed the transformative impact of expanding roads, railways, ports, and power supply to boost productivity, lower business costs, and attract investment. “An enormous population drives Nigeria’s economy, but population growth demands that we expand infrastructure to support businesses, workers, and communities,” he noted.
Prof. Falola also underscored the need for educational reform and human capital development, identifying a pressing need for improved access, quality, and relevance within the educational sector. He advocated for enhanced vocational and skills training to transform graduates into a globally competitive workforce, thereby tackling the scourge of unemployment. “A healthier workforce benefits the economy, and expanding affordable healthcare will not only improve social welfare but also contribute to economic progress,” he added.
Addressing corruption, Prof. Falola called for stringent accountability, stronger anti-corruption laws, and transparency in public spending to retain development resources within the country. Such measures, he argued, would strengthen trust in government and ensure that public funds contribute to national growth.
Insecurity, one of Nigeria’s long-standing challenges, was another focal point. Prof. Falola highlighted the urgent need for a robust security framework to counter issues like Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and ethnic tensions. “To reduce insecurity, we must address its root causes — poverty, alienation, and social inequality — and foster greater inclusion to unify different communities,” he asserted, adding that inclusive measures can enhance national cohesion.
Prof. Falola also identified the untapped potential in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, recommending investments in modern farming techniques, access to markets, and value chain enhancement to boost job creation, ensure food security, and increase export revenues. Improved rural infrastructure, such as roads, power, and water, he suggested, would raise the quality of life for farmers and encourage young people to consider agriculture as a viable career.
Environmental issues, particularly desertification in the north and flooding in the coastal areas, were also discussed. Prof. Falola advocated for environmentally friendly practices, increased investment in renewable energy, and the protection of natural resources as vital steps for Nigeria’s sustainable future.
Turning to energy, he argued that Nigeria must transition from its reliance on fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy sources, such as solar, hydro, and wind power, to bolster energy security and expand economic opportunities. He also encouraged the government to leverage technology to spur growth in fintech, e-commerce, and mobile communications, suggesting subsidies for tech startups, increased internet access, and investments in STEM education to position Nigeria competitively in the global economy.
Prof. Falola concluded by emphasizing the need for Nigeria to maximize opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which he sees as a pathway to enhancing intra-African trade, fortifying Nigeria’s industrial base, and expanding the nation’s share of the global market.
He underscored the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to drive innovation, service delivery, and infrastructural development. “Close relationships with the private sector can advance service delivery in critical sectors like transportation, healthcare, and education,” he explained. He also called for a renewed focus on cultural identity, promoting campaigns for inter-ethnic tolerance and dialogue to foster national unity.
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