LUMUMBA CHALLENGES NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES TO DRIVE AFRICA’S RENAISSANCE
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
Renowned public speaker and mediator, Prof. PLO Lumumba, has called on Nigerian universities to lead Africa’s development by valuing scholars and funding higher education adequately. Speaking at the University of Ilorin’s 50th Anniversary lecture, he stressed that Africa’s rise depends on empowering academics and institutions to solve local problems.
Lumumba criticized decades of unfulfilled commitments, noting that African leaders have historically promised support for education, health, and trade but failed to deliver. He highlighted Nigeria’s reliance on food imports despite rich agricultural potential and urged universities to train graduates capable of transforming local industries like aquaculture, poultry, and sugarcane production.
He lauded the University of Ilorin’s efforts in large-scale agricultural projects and encouraged it to produce a generation of self-reliant, solution-driven graduates who can propel Nigeria and Africa toward self-sufficiency.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Wahab Egbewole celebrated Unilorin’s 50 years of academic excellence, innovation, and community impact, while dignitaries including representatives of President Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and former Senate President Saraki attended the ceremony.