By Esosa Omorogbe
Professor Monday Lewis Igbafen, a philosophy professor at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has called for leadership restructuring in Nigeria to promote good governance. He made this call during the 127th Inaugural Lecture of the university, titled "Plato’s 'Philosopher King' and the Quest for Political Order in Nigeria".
Professor Igbafen, a former ASUU chairman of the university's chapter and current Benin Zonal chairman of ASUU, emphasized that Nigeria's current leadership selection method is flawed and could lead to "social perfidy similar to Hobbes' dreaded state of nature". He advocated for a system where leadership is anchored on virtues and ethics, citing Plato's idea of the "Philosopher King".
The concept of the "Philosopher King" originates from Plato's philosophy, which emphasizes the need for leaders to be guided by reason, wisdom, and virtue. This idea is particularly relevant in Nigeria's current leadership context, where corruption, incompetence, and self-interest have hindered the country's progress.
According to Plato, "mankind will have no respite from trouble until either real philosophers gain political power or politicians become by some miracle, true philosophers". Professor Igbafen stressed that Nigeria's leadership class needs education and training to overcome greed, self-interest, corruption, and primitive accumulation.
"The most fundamental and pressing restructuring Nigeria needs is for leadership to inject a dose of competence," he stated. "Leadership should not be an all-comer affair, including thugs, touts, and layabouts. The need for restructuring of the country's rulership is inevitable".
The acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Sunday Olowo Samuel, described the inaugural lecture topic as apt, given Nigeria's uncertain political atmosphere and unpatriotic nature of some politicians.
Prof S.O. Samuel who was represented by Prof Eunice Omoregie congratulated Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo on his victory at the tribunal while also expressing appreciations, unbehalf of management and staff of the University for the approval of the payment of minimum wage to the University staff
The highlight of the well-attended 127th Inaugural Lecture was the decoration of Professor Monday Lewis Igbafen and his admission into the University's Hall of Academic Giants.
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