Lagos: Nigeria will have to realign its democracy, education, and federalism to effectively address its challenges, Prof. Adewumi Falode from Lagos State University (LASU) stated during a lecture. Falode, from the History and International Studies Department, emphasized the need for domesticating democracy to better suit Nigeria’s local context.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Falode delivered his insights during LASU’s 115th Inaugural Lecture Series at the Ojo Campus. He argued that Nigeria’s current democratic framework is both alien and costly, failing to meet citizens’ expectations for inclusive governance and tangible benefits.
Falode noted the financial burden of conducting elections, referencing the escalating costs from past elections and predicting even higher expenses for the 2027 elections. He highlighted that despite significant investments, the democratic process often requires judicial intervention to function properly.
Discussing federalism, Falode pointed out that Nigeria’s leaders adopted a textbook approach, which does not suit its multi-ethnic composition. He advocated for a customized federalism that features a decentralized government, allowing states to retain strength and governance autonomy, akin to systems in Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
He stressed that such federalism should not lead to regionalism or isolation among states. Instead, states should coexist under clearly defined terms to promote unity and equitable development, as previously outlined in constitutional conferences and assemblies.
Falode also addressed fiscal federalism, praising President Bola Tinubu’s 2025 Tax Reforms Bill. He believed this reform could enable equitable revenue distribution and encourage states to innovate in revenue generation, thereby enhancing public infrastructure.
On education, Falode underscored the importance of a tailored educational system for national integration and development. He advocated for free universal primary and secondary education, making it compulsory to secondary level, to cultivate responsible citizens who contribute positively to the nation’s progress.