In a powerful call for decolonised political thinking, Professor (Mrs.) Victoria Kikelomo Olugbemi, a distinguished scholar in Socio-Cultural History and Gender Studies, has urged African leaders to abandon Eurocentric governance models and instead adopt indigenous political frameworks that reflect Africa’s precolonial heritage, gender balance, and cultural values.
Prof. Olugbemi delivered this charge during the 40th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Her lecture, a thought-provoking exposition, challenged the intellectual and political class to rethink Nigeria’s development trajectory by rooting governance in the continent’s own historically proven systems.
“African civilization remains the most enduring in history,” she declared. “Therefore, African leaders should have a complete shift from modelling their political systems after European structures and instead adopt indigenous frameworks to accelerate Africa’s local and regional development.”
She further urged the National Assembly to stop seeking political blueprints abroad and to instead consider the checks and balances inherent in traditional African kingdoms before the arrival of colonialism and the Abrahamic religions — systems which, she noted, once ensured long-standing political stability.
Highlighting the role of traditional leadership, Prof. Olugbemi called for the preservation of customary installation processes, asserting that traditional rulers are divinely ordained, not political appointees. “They must be selected according to the pre-colonial customs and traditions,” she said. “Government interference undermines their sacred role.”
On gender equity, Prof. Olugbemi insisted that national progress depends on gender balance, stating, “A nation’s strength lies in achieving gender parity. We must move beyond patriarchy and authoritarianism, and embrace gender, religion, and culture as pillars of liberation and sustainable nation-building.”
She cautioned that how leaders, institutions, and the media frame these issues has serious implications. “The way we discuss gender, religion, and culture can determine the survival or collapse of our society,” she warned.
Prof. Olugbemi also identified inclusive, accessible, and quality education as a cornerstone of national development. She criticised the government’s preference for approving more private universities while underfunding public institutions, calling it a betrayal of Nigeria’s Education for All (EFA) commitment.
“Education nurtures political stability through mutual respect and collaboration,” she said, urging the federal, state, and local governments to increase funding for public schools to meet rising demands in student enrollment, infrastructure, learning materials, and personnel.
She also recommended an overhaul of the national curriculum, with a renewed emphasis on national history, civic duties, and patriotism, as a way to instil civic consciousness and prepare future leaders with a strong sense of responsibility.
Speaking on Nigeria’s millions of out-of-school children, she proposed integrating them into adult education systems as a strategy to reduce poverty and hunger, and to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals related to gender equality and lifelong learning.
In his opening remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Olugbenga Ige commended the Inaugural Lecturer for her outstanding contributions to academia and advocacy for social justice.
“I express my sincere appreciation to Professor Kikelomo Victoria Olugbemi for her tireless commitment to academic excellence, the advancement of knowledge, and the uplift of our University,” the VC noted. “Her work has left an indelible mark on this institution and the wider academic and gender equity landscape.”
The lecture, steeped in historical insight and contemporary relevance, underscored the urgent need for African-centric solutions to Africa’s development challenges and reinforced the role of intellectuals in shaping progressive discourse and policy direction in Nigeria.