Stakeholders have emphasized the crucial role of scholarship in shaping governance and institutional reforms in Nigeria, as discussed at the National Political Science Association (NPSA) conference in Lagos.
Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof Tunji Olaopa, reflected on his journey from student to mentor, praising the transformative strides of NPSA under the leadership of Prof Hassan Saliu at the national level and Prof Victor Isumonah in the South West region.
He noted the resurgence of NPSA as a leading force in advancing discourse on governance and institutional reforms since his seminal address in 2015, highlighting the importance of platforms like NPSA in shaping such discourse.
Prof Tunji stressed the pressing need for political scientists to investigate power dynamics and institutional frameworks, addressing issues from constitutional reengineering to optimizing public-private partnerships.
He lamented Nigeria’s development challenges, citing institutional failure and inefficiency, and urged for a paradigm shift towards efficient service delivery mechanisms, especially as Nigeria navigates the Tinubu administration.
Prof Tunji envisioned the conference as a catalyst for generating recommendations to steer the nation towards sustainable development and inclusive governance, expressing optimism that the outcomes would offer tangible solutions.
In conclusion, he praised the organizers for convening the event and called for sustained engagement in advancing the discourse on governance in Nigeria. The address resonated deeply with attendees, setting the stage for robust deliberations and actionable insights.
