The Vice-Chancellor of Maranatha University, Professor Rufus Akinyele, has observed that Nigeria's domestic challenges are limiting the country's influence in international affairs. Akinyele made this statement while reviewing a collection of essays in a compendium titled 'Governance Crises and Contradictions in Nigeria's Relations,' a festschrift in honor of the former Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies at the University of Lagos, Professor Oladele Akinboye.
He stated that the various domestic challenges facing the country tend to undermine its global positioning. According to Akinyele, Nigeria once played the role of a 'big brother' on the African continent but has gradually lost that position due to internal challenges. Reviewing the book, Akinyele noted that the exclusion of women from governance is largely a consequence of godfatherism and consensus candidacy. 'Out of the 91 people who were screened for the 24 federal constituencies, only about 12 were women, and at the end of the process, they were all edged out,' he said.
The guest lecturer, Professor Alade Fawole, speaking on the lecture titled 'Nigeria-U.S. Relations in an Unstable World Order,' urged Nigerians to recognize that the country's sovereignty is under threat and that its protection rests largely in the hands of its citizens. Fawole cautioned against the persistent practice of attacking and discrediting the government, warning that such actions could have long-term consequences for the nation.
Speaking at the occasion, a third republic senator, Anthony Adefuye, congratulated Akinboye for retiring from active service without blemish. Adefuye, an Akokite who studied Mechanical Engineering, commended succeeding leaderships of UNILAG for keeping the flag flying. He said he is always proud of students of the university for distinguishing themselves in society and urged current students to work hard.
The event was attended by the 12th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe; the representative of the Chief Book Presenter, Professor Francis Ogunye; and a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Abiodun Orekoya.
