Look Beyond Restructuring, Varsity Don Charges Nigerians

Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Kamal Bello, has appealed to Nigerians to look beyond restructuring and channel their efforts towards behavioural and attitudinal change.

Bello appealed over the weekend, following the growing agitation by some Nigerians for the country’s restructuring.

As a lead discussant at the first dialogue Series of the Faculty of Social Sciences, NOUN, on the topic” Nigeria: To be Restructured Or Not To Be Restructured,” the dean said that for Nigeria to be great, everyone must contribute to its success.

He explained, “Restructuring is a cumbersome process that needs to be conceptualised in the Nigerian context as to what needs to be restructured because, as the word restructuring is not new, Nigeria must understand the concentration of her country’s resources before true restructuring can take place.”

He says, “When people look at contemporary restructuring, they seek true federalism. Nigeria must know the concentration of its resources before it can be restructured. Most of Nigeria’s problems are sharing the cake, not how to bake it.

“What should be on every Nigerian’s mind should be how to bridge the gap between rich and poor people, not the question of creating more states or local governments.

“Our mindset needs to be restructured, not the structure itself. The question should be how to bridge the gap between rich and poor people. Nigeria’s problem starts on an individual level. We should shun discrimination.

“At this critical time, the question shouldn’t be about whether to restructure or not to restructure, but to shun nepotism, corruption, and ethnicity. We must consider Nigeria a nation where everyone must contribute to its success. Teachers or lecturers should be role models.”

Also speaking, Prof. Hussaini Tukur of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, said, “When asking why restructuring or for whom restructuring should be done, it is vital to take cognisance of the legal framework before restructuring.

“The legal issues surrounding restructuring should be considered when understanding the purpose and legal entity.  You will realise that the issues involved are several guidelines for restructuring.”

In his remarks, the NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olufemi Peters, noted that the dialogue is novel and innovative, and the topic is apt due to the recurring nature of the debate.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof.  Isaac Butswat, the VC emphasised that the Faculty organised the dialogue to provide input and to decide on which way Nigeria should proceed with the restructuring.

The VC, however, expressed optimism in the crop of discussants drawn from various higher learning institutions across the nation’s six geopolitical zones. He urged participants to pay attention to the discussants to gain a better and more helpful understanding of the dialogue.

The Dean, whose address was read by Dr Ebele Udeoji, an associate professor of international relations, thanked the University Management, led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, for making the dialogue possible.

He also thanked the FSS standing committee on Seminar, Conference, and Public Lecture, chaired by Dr Adeola Adams, for ensuring the dialogue’s success.