Professor Victoria Kikelomo Olugbemi has called for a fundamental shift away from Eurocentric political models in Nigeria.

She urged African leaders to embrace indigenous governance systems grounded in precolonial traditions, cultural values, and gender equity as a pathway to national stability and sustainable progress.

Prof. Olugbemi, an expert in Socio-Cultural History and Gender Studies, delivered this message during the 40th Inaugural Lecture at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko.

Highlighting the enduring legacy of African civilizations, she said, “Africa’s heritage remains one of the most resilient in history. To fast-track development, our leaders must move away from copying European political frameworks and instead build on indigenous systems that have historically ensured governance and stability.”

She stressed that the Nigerian National Assembly should focus on homegrown political models rather than seeking external templates if the country is to achieve genuine development.

“The traditional checks and balances from African Kingdoms, established long before the Abrahamic religions arrived, provide a solid foundation for building a strong and stable Nigeria,” she noted.

Prof. Olugbemi underscored the revered role of traditional rulers, asserting that they should be regarded as divinely chosen leaders.

“These monarchs must be appointed according to longstanding precolonial customs and not merely by government decree,” she explained, emphasizing that traditional institutions already possess internal systems to handle misconduct, independent of modern political structures.

On the subject of gender and national growth, she argued that balanced gender participation is crucial for a nation’s prosperity.

“True strength is found in gender equality,” she said, advocating for equal opportunities for both men and women in shaping national progress.

She encouraged society to move beyond patriarchal and authoritarian mindsets, viewing gender, religion, and culture as powerful forces that can foster liberation and underpin Nigeria’s stability and growth.

She also highlighted the importance of education, stating that quality, inclusive education for all genders forms a vital base for political stability through promoting mutual respect and cooperation.

To support this, Prof. Olugbemi called on federal, state, and local governments to boost funding for education to meet growing demands in student enrollment, teacher recruitment, learning materials, and infrastructure.

She criticized the government’s emphasis on private universities at the expense of public institutions, saying, “Favoring private universities contradicts the government’s Education for All policy.”

Furthermore, she recommended a curriculum reform aimed at enhancing civic awareness and patriotism.

“Educating students on national history and civic duties will build a more equal society and strengthen nation-building efforts,” she remarked.

Addressing the issue of out-of-school children, she urged their inclusion in adult education programs, noting that this could reduce poverty and hunger while supporting Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals, especially regarding gender equality and lifelong learning.

In his opening address, the Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Professor Olugbenga Ige, praised Prof. Olugbemi for her dedication to scholarship, gender advocacy, and community service.

He said, “I commend Professor Kikelomo Victoria Olugbemi for her unwavering commitment to academic excellence and her significant contributions to both our University and the broader fields of gender equity and knowledge advancement.”

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