Presidential hopeful and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has described institutional abuse, particularly in the academic sector as a “silent killer of democracy”.
Olawepo-Hashim said this while receiving the award of excellence presented to him by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Kwara state which he dedicated to the Nigerian youths and all victims of institutional abuse.
Represented by Abdulrazaq Hamzat, he said the award was not about personal achievement but about giving voice to those silenced by systemic injustice.
Olawepo-Hashim urged journalists to remain fearless in holding institutions accountable.
According to him, institutional abuse in the academic sector stifles innovation, silences dissent, and weakens trust in governance.
Citing his personal experience, the politician recalled how the University of Lagos withheld his degree certificate after disagreements tied to student activism.
“They could withhold a certificate, but not knowledge,” he said, explaining how the setback propelled him to establish Set and Sell, a political communication firm that laid the foundation for his success as a PR strategist and entrepreneur.
He also highlighted the case of Abdulrazaq Hamzat, who was expelled and denied a Master’s certificate by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) due to disputes over student association activities.
Such actions, Olawepo – Hashim warned, are “a dangerous stain on Nigeria’s democratic credentials.”
“Institutions should address intellectual issues intellectually, not through victimization,” he added.
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