By Correspondent in Ota.
Prof. Peter Okebukola, former Executive Secretary,National Universities Commission (NUC), has urged African leaders to reduce reliance on foreign aid to build a brighter future for the continent.
Okebukola, who is the President,the Global University for Innovation (GUNi-Africa), gave the advice during a public lecture at Covenant University in Ota, Ogun State.
Our correspondent gathered that the event was in honore of Dr. David Oyedepo, Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Regents, in celebration of his 70th birthday.
In his lecture, themed “The Black Race and the Leadership Question,” the professor expressed concern that many African leaders over-rely on foreign aid and loans, neglecting the development of sustainable economic policies.
Okebukola said, “This external dependency fosters a belief that Africa cannot succeed without the help of the West, reinforcing perceptions of weakness and inferiority.”
He identified challenges such as resource mismanagement, weak educational policies, corruption, and poor governance as significant barriers to progress, leading to economic underdevelopment, social inequality, and political instability.
According to Okebukola, these issues have deepened poverty and eroded public trust in governments.
He called on African leaders to create an environment conducive to growth, warning that current conditions have driven many intellectuals abroad in search of better opportunities.
“It is essential for African countries to promote good governance and accountability, foster Pan-African unity, and invest in infrastructure and quality education to achieve self-reliance,” he stated.
Dr. David Oyedepo reinforced this message, arguing that Africa must develop its own solutions rather than relying on imported ideas from the West.
“Things must change, and we must be the ones to effect that change,” he said.
Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, remarked that the lecture was timely, adding that the continent is in dire need of effective leadership.
He noted that despite Africa’s vast potential, it continues to lag due to leaders’ failure to utilize its resources effectively for human development.
