By Abiola Akintunde.
On the 9th of May, at the large lecture theatre of the Faculty of The Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Dr David Enweremadu of the Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan, delivered a thought provoking lecture on Corruption and Nigeria’s economic development debacle: Lessons from Indonesia.
This lecture was graced with the presence of distinguished lecturers from the faculty, students and guests as they were all present to pick lessons from the lecture. The program started with the National and School anthem and it was followed with a citation of Dr E U.Enweremadu which is an intriguing profile. Dr. Enweremadu’s academic sonority is in fact mystical, his enigmatic qualities are unfathomable. Dr. Enweremadu understands well the mind of the society, and it was evident in his delivery.
The lecture raised questions on the increasing rate of corruption in the Nigerian state, and its effect on National development in respect to Indonesia whose index of corruption is as high as the Nigerian state, yet still on the pedestal of economic advancement.
He further put more lucidity after comparing the differences and similarities of Nigeria and Indonesia and concluded that theres more to the cause of decline in Nigeria’s economy which is beyond corruption.
Among the notable points from the lecture is the notion of Population in relation to economic growth, under Soeherto of Indonesia, there was policies that was enforced to counter population growth so as to maximize overpopulation. Unlike Nigeria, where our socio-religious beliefs to have more children couldn’t push government to enforce minimal birth for families which consequently accelerated nigeria population in folds.
While Soeherto, in his 32 years regime ran a long term policies to sustain Indonesia economic growth and also used centralized corruption to push for the countries economic growth. Nigeria’s corruption on the other hand was and still is more of ‘all man for himself’ as no government official is bothered about the economic growth and development of the country.
He stated a lot of other factors affecting the Nigeria’s economy as a result of corruption was addressed which was followed immediately with recommendations from Dr Enweremadu and at the end of the lecture, he was met with a very loud ovation upon delivering what’s thought to be an educating lecture about whats so pressing in the Nigerian state.
