Nigeria needs new policy paths for nation-building – Prof Bagaji

A seasoned Public Administration scholar at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Ali Yusufu Bagaji, has proposed the adoption of a new framework of policy pillars to move the country forward. Bagudu, a senior lecturer in the NOUN’s Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management Science, stated this during the varsity’s 32nd Inaugural […]

A seasoned Public Administration scholar at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Ali Yusufu Bagaji, has proposed the adoption of a new framework of policy pillars to move the country forward.

Bagudu, a senior lecturer in the NOUN’s Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management Science, stated this during the varsity’s 32nd Inaugural Lecture in Abuja.

In the lecture, titled, “State-building Experiments in Nigeria’s Multi-ethnic Society: Policy Pillars for Achieving Pre-set Triple National Goals?” he traced the country’s political and administrative evolution, examining the patterns and outcomes of various state-building efforts since independence.

Bagaji argued that a new framework of policy pillars must be adopted to move the country forward.

He proposed the pillars that included Inclusive and Adaptive Federalism, which is a call for genuine power devolution that respects ethnic identities while reinforcing national integration; Participatory Democracy, which strengthens civic engagement and citizen accountability in policy-making; and Merit-driven Public Service Reform which ensures that institutions are run by competent professionals, not political patronage.

Others are Civic Education and National Orientation, which is a revival of value-based education to instill patriotism and shared purpose, and Strategic Human Capital Investment, which particularly emphasises on education, youth, and innovation.

The university don concluded with a strong message that state-building in Nigeria must be a shared responsibility driven by visionary leadership, inclusive policies, and a commitment to national ideals.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Olufemi Peters, emphasised the significance of the inaugural lecture series in showcasing the depth of research and intellectual capacity within the university’s academic community.

He lauded Bagaji’s contributions to the field of public administration and governance, describing his work as timely and very relevant to Nigeria’s contemporary challenges.

“This lecture is not only an academic tradition but also a platform for advancing public discourse on issues of national interest,” Peters said.

He also highlighted the theme of the lecture as particularly timely and significant, given Nigeria’s current socio-political realities.

He noted that to the country continues to face mounting challenges in the areas of national cohesion, security, economic equity, and democratic consolidation.

He expressed concern that while Nigeria’s diversity should be a source of strength, it is too often manipulated as a tool for division.

“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.”

“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.”