26th Inaugural Lecture – Economic Hardship in Nigeria

In a poignant address during the 26th inaugural lecture at Igbinedion University, Okada, Professor Damian Mbaegbu, a distinguished professor of business management, highlighted the prevailing economic hardships afflicting Nigeria. The lecture, themed “The Incidence of Mass Poverty in Nigeria: A Case of Self-Inflicted Injury on the People by the People,” drew attention to the alarming reality that over 80% of Nigerians currently live in poverty.

Professor Mbaegbu emphasized the urgent need for Nigerians to embrace self-employment as a pathway to self-reliance, asserting that the nation’s abundant resources should provide ample opportunities for its citizens. “Nigerians have no reason to be poor,” he stated, referencing the wealth of natural and human resources available in the country.

The professor expressed his disappointment at the escalating poverty levels and proposed that political and social restructuring could pave the way for improved living conditions. He argued that such changes would not only alleviate mass poverty but could ultimately eradicate it.

In his address, Professor Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University, underscored the significance of inaugural lectures in academic settings. He noted that these lectures serve to recognize the achievements of newly appointed professors and allow them to present their research in an accessible manner.

Friday Bakare, a legal practitioner and Registrar of Igbinedion University, described the inaugural lecture as timely and commended the university management and attendees for their support.

As the session concluded, the collective hope remained that Nigeria’s economy would recover, leading to a substantial reduction in poverty levels across the nation.