By Felix Khanoba
A professor of Public Administration at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Ali Yusufu Bagaji, has recommended a fresh set of policy approaches aimed at addressing Nigeria’s long-standing governance challenges.
Bagaji, a senior academic in the Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences, presented his ideas during NOUN’s 32nd Inaugural Lecture held at the university’s headquarters in Abuja.
In his lecture titled “State-building Experiments in Nigeria’s Multi-ethnic Society: Policy Pillars for Achieving Pre-set Triple National Goals?” he explored Nigeria’s historical journey through political and administrative transformations, assessing the successes and shortcomings of previous state-building strategies.
According to a statement issued by Ibrahim Sheme, Director of Media and Publicity at NOUN, Bagaji reflected on Nigeria’s core national aspirations—unity, security, and development—arguing that despite decades of effort, the nation continues to fall short of these goals. He pointed out that while Nigeria’s ethnic diversity holds potential as a strength, it frequently complicates efforts at national unity and effective governance.
The professor evaluated policy instruments and institutional frameworks—such as the Federal Character principle, quota systems, and decentralisation—designed to manage diversity and promote inclusion. He concluded that many of these mechanisms have not delivered their intended outcomes.
Bagaji proposed a new set of policy pillars to reposition the country on a more effective path. These include Inclusive and Adaptive Federalism, which promotes meaningful devolution of power with respect for ethnic identities; Participatory Democracy, aimed at deepening civic engagement and public accountability; and Merit-driven Public Service Reform, to prioritise competence over political affiliation in the management of public institutions.
He also advocated for Civic Education and National Orientation to revive values that foster patriotism and unity, and Strategic Human Capital Investment, focusing on youth, education, and innovation as the foundation for development.
While saying that the task of nation-building in Nigeria must be a collective effort anchored in visionary leadership, the NOUN don emphasized the need for inclusive governance, and a strong commitment to shared national ideals.
In his opening remarks, NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, highlighted the importance of the inaugural lecture series in promoting scholarly discourse and showcasing the depth of intellectual work within the university.
He praised Bagaji’s academic contribution, noting its relevance to Nigeria’s current socio-political climate.
“This lecture is not only an academic tradition but also a platform for advancing public discourse on issues of national interest,” Peters said.
The VC also underscored the urgency of the lecture’s theme in light of Nigeria’s present-day struggles with unity, security, and equitable governance.
“In a country as richly diverse as Nigeria, the task of building a stable and united state is a complex one,” he said, adding, “It requires clear-headed policies, inclusive governance, and above all, a shared vision of nationhood.”
He further stated: “That is why the theme of this lecture—State-building Experiments in Nigeria’s Multi-ethnic Society—is not only academically engaging but also nationally urgent.”
The vice-chancellor noted that the lecture’s alignment with the university’s mission to promote development through inclusive education demonstrates NOUN’s commitment to generating policy-shaping research.
“As a university committed to Open and Distance Learning, we must also be open to bold ideas that can reshape public policy and governance. Professor Bagudu’s work embodies that spirit,” he said.
Peters congratulated Bagaji on his academic milestone and encouraged other faculty members to continue producing research that addresses critical national issues.
On his part, the Deputy Vice- Chancellor, Academic, Professor Chiedu Mafiana, who was represented by the DVC Technology, Innovation and Research, Professor Godwin Akper in his the vote of thanks expressed appreciation to Bagaji for delivering what he described as an “insightful and challenging” lecture and praised him for his dedication to advancing public discourse, noting that the lecture would serve as a key reference point for scholars and policy makers alike.
