By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
A Teaching Professor at the University of Texas, Austin, U.S., Toyin Falola, has urged African nations to strengthen governance and curb corruption for sustainable development.
Falola, a former Vice President of the International Scientific Committee, UNESCO Slave Route Project, made the call on Thursday at the maiden lecture of the Hassan Sunmonu Centre for Leadership and Governance.
The event, with the theme ‘Democracy and the Dynamics of Development in Africa’, was held at Yaba College of Technology’s Yusuf Grillo Auditorium, attracting scholars, policymakers, and civic leaders.
It explored Africa’s democratic transitions, questioning why decades of political reforms have not translated into equitable growth and sustainable socio-economic development across the continent.
Falola said democracy’s survival depends on institutional reform, moral leadership, and citizen participation to prevent corruption, abuse of power, and erosion of public trust.
He noted that democracy cannot thrive where unaccountable elites dominate political and economic systems, adding that inclusion and justice are vital for sustainable development.
He recalled that traditional African governance, such as councils of elders and communal labour, promoted participation and social welfare before colonialism disrupted indigenous democratic systems.
According to him, manipulated elections, vote buying, and ethnic divisions continue to weaken confidence, obstructing Africa’s progress towards credible governance and democratic consolidation.
He stressed that democracy provides the framework for accountability, but its success depends on transparent elections and fair distribution of power among all social groups.
“To hold elections is not the problem. The real challenge lies in building institutions that reflect the people’s will and ensure accountable governance,” Falola said.
He added that Africa’s democracy must evolve from indigenous values of inclusion and reciprocity rather than copying Western models of governance.
Falola described democracy as a tool for development that fosters good governance, fights corruption, and empowers citizens to shape their collective destiny.
Chairman of the event, Mr Faud Laguda, representing Surulere Constituency 1, praised Hassan Sunmonu as a leader who championed responsible and principled unionism.
Laguda said the event symbolised Nigeria’s renewed pursuit of visionary leadership, urging citizens to uphold ethics, unity, and accountability for national renewal.
He encouraged YABATECH to align the centre with reputable think-tanks to advance transparency, leadership innovation, and participatory governance in Nigeria.
“Promote YABATECH as an academic hub for participatory governance and national development through training and research that strengthen leadership capacity,” he advised.
ASUU President, Prof Chris Piwuna, identified transparency, courage, and teamwork as pillars of active democracy essential for national progress and citizen engagement.
Piwuna pledged ASUU’s support for the centre, reaffirming commitment to ideals of integrity, leadership, and social transformation in higher education and governance.
Earlier, Rector of YABATECH, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, said the centre was created to promote leadership rooted in competence, integrity, and measurable national contributions.
Abdul stated that the centre’s mandate includes fostering policy innovation, ethical leadership, and partnerships that link learning with national transformation.
He added that the initiative reaffirms YABATECH’s legacy as Nigeria’s foremost technical institution committed to producing responsible leaders for national development.
NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, lauded YABATECH for honouring Hassan Sunmonu, describing the gesture as recognition of labour’s contribution to democracy and governance.
Ajaero pledged the NLC’s partnership with the centre, urging it to serve as a hub for governance research and progressive leadership training in Nigeria and Africa.
“This centre should become a furnace for producing visionary leaders capable of driving inclusive governance and social transformation,” Ajaero stated.
In his response, Sunmonu thanked YABATECH and called on labour organisations and young leaders to uphold ethical governance and mentorship ideals.
He said the centre’s sustainability depends on visionary leadership and collective responsibility, stressing that its future lies in the hands of present and future generations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
