1 Prof. Chuks Paul Maduabum Professor of Public Administration
Dean, School of Management Sciences NOUN INAUGURAL LECTURE SERIES 6
TH EDITION
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2
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3 WHAT HAS PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION GOT TO DO WITH IT? NOUN
INAUGURAL LECTURE SERIES 6TH EDITION
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4 Preamble Mr. Vice-Chancellor Sir, permit me to commence this
exercise by sharing my recent experience about Inaugural Lectures.
Precisely, on Wednesday, July 17, 2013, I honoured an invitation to
attend an Inaugural lecture delivered by a friend and Head,
Department of Political Science, the University of Lagos Professor
Solomon Oladele Akinboye. Given my huge responsibilities in NOUN,
the opportunity cost of being in Unilag. at that auspicious time
was high but I must confess, it was a very rewarding venture.
Professor Akinboye commenced his lecture by addressing a knotty
question of What is actually an Inaugural Lecture? Citing Prof.
Olajide Aluko, he submitted that there has been a gross
misconception of Inaugural Lectures.
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Accordingly, he pointed out that the founding fathers designed
inaugural lectures for three purposes which are all academic: To
provide a veritable avenue for the newly appointed Professor to
critically analyze the state of his specialized discipline; To
enable the Professor present a piece of unpublished research upon
which he has been working before his appointment or completed
afterward, with a view to displaying his credentials as a scholar
and vindicating his appointment before a cross-section of the
University community and outsiders; and To afford the Professor the
opportunity to elaborate the research scheme that he intends to
follow while occupying the Chair. 5
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Two reasons are hereby advanced for the fore-going preamble as
follows: first, to place this discourse in its proper perspective
and; secondly, to further spread the Gospel of what our Inaugural
Lecture really is. Having alluded to this submission, my lecture is
influenced largely by it as would be discovered later in this
presentation. The couching of the topic of my lecture equally has a
historical antecedent thus: There was a great man who made great
impression on me through his writings and publications at which he
reflected on societal values and operations. This man was one of
the early recipients of the National Merit Award in Nigeria, indeed
the first, going by the Guardian Newspaper publication of Sunday
May 18, 2014. And as is required, he delivered a lecture as part of
the Award ceremony titled: What has literature got to do with it?
6
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A great man who made great impression on me What has literature
got to do with it? There was a country
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That man was Professor Chinua Achebe who shortly before he
joined his ancestors in year 2013, released, yet another one
titled: There was a country. The title of his lecture kept me
wondering what Prof. Achebe, though typical of his writings was
driving at. My investigations led me to yet another document
titled: what has love got to do with it by Tina Turner, courtesy of
Professor Kayode Oguntuashe. Eventually I became fascinated with
that title and patiently waited for an opportunity to adopt that
style. That opportunity has just presented itself hence the title
of my lecture. What has Public Administration got to do with it?.
8
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Introduction Public Administration, although derived from
Administration is both a discipline and an operational process
Public Administration in Africa is inundated with immense
challenges, every nation state, operate through this machinery All
over Africa, there are low standards of living, a high level of
illiteracy, inadequate shelter, escalating unemployment, low income
& negligible savings
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In her chequered history, Nigeria has experienced various forms
of government from colonial, through parliamentary, military and
now presidential, all in an effort to get it right. The present
democratically elected government in Nigeria, in an attempt to
confront head-on the challenges of development, is actively engaged
in the dynamic process of promoting socio-economic change. This is
aimed at eradicating poverty and conquering hunger, disease,
ignorance and squalor. 10
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Mr. Vice-Chancellor, Sir, against the foregoing backdrop, this
lecture is arranged as follows: Conceptual Clarifications;
Evolution of Public Administration; The Nigerian Experience; Public
Administration versus National Development; Current Assessment;
Challenges and Treatment Variables; and Epilogue. 11
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3.0 CONCEPTUAL CLARIFICATIONS It has been argued repeatedly
that public administration, as a subject, better describes the
government of a given state. The point must however, be made that
the world of administration is the world of politics. In order to
fully conceptualize administration, we must understand the concept
of politics. If there is no politics, there would be no
administration and vice versa. Politics refers to those activities
or goings-on in the institutions of government. Politics could
equally be defined as the struggle for power and influence
especially in government. A realistic School of thought feels that
the purpose of interaction among people is the struggle for power.
12
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Having perceived the concept of politics, it now becomes
imperative to address the concept of public administration. Public
administration as a concept attracts several commentaries from
different authorities. One name that is so easily associated with
the concept that cannot be easily glossed over is Woodrow Wilson.
In fact, his recognition is in connection with the pioneering works
he did in the field of public administration. Some of these
authorities are Wilson (1887:197-222); Dimock and Dimock (1969:13);
Omolayo and Arowolaju (1987:11-12); Maduabum (2008; and 2014). The
unanimity of their definitions is that public administration is the
action, business side of government. 13
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The dichotomy between public administration and business
administration is summaried by Balogun (1988) thus: Whereas public
administration pursues non- economic and socio-political goals,
business administration embarks on economic goals and is
specifically interested in profit maximization. 14
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15 The inextricable linkage between government and public
administration led us to. The International Encyclopaedia of the
Social Sciences and it has this to say about governnance: The art
of exercising of legitimate authority, and protecting and adapting
the community by making and carrying out decisions. (Sills, 1968:
214-217). The term government is further explained as an instrument
of a state by which its existence is maintained, its functions
carried out and its policies and objectives realised. Our position
is that government makes decisions with regards to the welfare and
other interests of the citizens on their behalf. And public
administration is the process of transmitting these decisions and
other welfare facilities to the citizens. This process is being
driven by an Agency referred to as Public Service (pp. 7-8).
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Another concept that cannot escape the prying eyes of our
analysis is Development. On this, a unanimity of definitions is
provided by Olugbemi (1987:431); Soares and Quintella (2008:105);
and SantAna (2008:51) as follow: Sustained increase in such
aggregate economic indices as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Gross
National Income (GNI), Per Capita Income (PCI), etc; The reflection
of (i) above is the enhanced capacity of citizens to meet their
vital daily commitments while allowing them a comfortable margin to
save for the rainy day; The reduction, if not elimination, of
inequality, unemployment, poverty, disease and ignorance; The
diffusion of influence and the guarantee of basic freedoms,
including the freedom to participate meaningfully in the political
process; and The assurance of a stable and peaceful political order
essential for sustained productive activities and a guarantee of
the safety of lives and property. Having established the parameters
and working definitions, the central theme of the next section is
the evolution of public administration. 16
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4.0 IN THE BEGINNING As a discipline, the study of public
administration could be traced to the late 18th and early 19th
centuries. Its prominence emerged from the technology that
generated the Industrial Revolution. Consequently, its earliest
development occured in Great Britain and later spread to the United
States of America. In fact, the first degree in public
administration at the Masters level was awarded in 1926 at the
Maxwell School of Public Administratiion, Syracuse University, New
York. Yet, it is to Woodrow Wilson, who later became the President
of the United States of America, that we must attribute more
positive contributions through academic articles on the subject;
17
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In 1882, he wrote his now classic essay on The Study of
Administration, in which he pleaded for a most business-like
efficiency in government. He insisted that a dichotomy must exist
between politics and public administration. This was clearly a
reaction to the era of spoils system which existed at the time.
Wilsons argument was that politics was associated with corruption
which should not in any way infitrate the civil service. One of the
consequences of Woodrows constributions was the passing of the
Pendleton Act by Congress in 1883. 18
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Other contributors are: 1. In 1910, Frank Goodnow wrote a book
titled: Politics and Administration. 2. In 1926 Leonard White wrote
a book titled: The Study of Public Administration. 3. In 1927, W.
F. Willoughby wrote another book titled, Principles of Public
Administration. 19
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1. In 1930, Urwick and Gullick wrote papers on Public
Administration. 2. In 1938, Chester Barnard published, Functions of
the Executive. 3. In 1947, Herbert Simon published The
Administrative Behaviour. 20
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5.0 THE NIGERIAN VERSION OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Public
Administration in Nigeria of today is a product of shaping and
reshaping stages of metamorphosis and the like. Our submission is
that it would appear that the influence of colonialism in our
national discourse is gradually becoming an overbeaten path. Yet it
will equally appear fallacious or, should we say, an academic
suicide for any discussion to be undertaken on the history of
public administration in Nigeria without recourse to the influence
of colonialism. Simply put, Nigerias colonial experience laid the
foundation for economic and political underdevelopment of the
country. 21
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The structural deformities and contradictions inherited in 1960
have continued to militate directly or indirectly against
possibilities for growth, stability and development. Political
initiatives and regime initiatives have had to contend with
structurally determined and conditioned crises and contradictions
while making it possible for new problems to emerge and fetter. The
post-colonial alignment and realignment of class forces in Nigeria
have operated within the overall deformities and distortions
introduced and nurtured by the colonial state and the colonial
elite. 22
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The consequence of the foregoing is that Nigeria is yet to
recover from that experience. Many of the leaders in contemporary
Nigeria were creations of the colonial system. Many of the officers
in the bureaucracy were recruited and trained under the colonial
system. Several officers in the army, itself originally a colonial
creation, were recruited and trained under the colonial system. The
educational and agricultural policies, even legal forms and
patterns are structured after those of the British who ab initio,
had no positive designs for Nigeria as a colony. 23
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Environmental Factors that influence Public Administration in
Nigeria Some of the factors identified as environmental are not
peculiar to the Nigerias micro-system as they are also found to be
characteristics of other developing countries in Africa. These
factors are discussed hereunder: 1. Social Factor: The consequences
of these are enormous. Within the Nigerian society, we find that
family, local, state and ethnic loyalty compete with, and often
take precedence over, loyalty to the Nation. This is so deeply
rooted that it creates challenges in public administration
practice, particularly with the attendant nepotism in all its
facets. 24
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(ii) The Educational System: This evolved from a colonially
imposed elitist system of education with its focus on liberal arts.
As severally argued, the colonial masters were not interested in
educating their colonial subjects. Yet they required interpreters
who would assist them in relating with the natives, hence the
emphasis on reading and writing only. This patterned what in later
years became popular, first, preference for the arts and social
sciences to the detriment of core science and technology, and
Secondly, too much emphasis on paper qualification rather than
acquisition of skills. Such paper qualifications acquired in
liberal arts guaranteed Nigerians the much-sought-after
white-collar jobs. The result is that today, students enrolment in
tertiary institutions is more in favour of these liberal arts than
science and technology. 25
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6.0What of the Engine of this Process the Public Service? The
Engine of this process called public administration as earlier
espoused, constitute the central bureaucracy called the public
service. Our submission is that the evolution and convolution of
this bureaucracy has similar experience as had earlier been
elucidated The Nigerian Public Service of today has its remote
origin in the amalgamation of the colony and protectorates of
Northern and Southern Nigeria to form the colony and protectorate
of Nigeria in 1914. The appointment of Sir Frederick Lugard as the
Governor-General of the amalgamated territories on that date
compelled the institution of a central bureaucracy to assist him in
the administration of the whole territory. 26
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Yet, it is to Sir Hugh Clifford, who succeeded Lugard as
Governor- General in 1922, that we must attribute the institution
of a structured and purposeful central administration for Nigeria
in those early days. The emergent administration called the
Nigerian Public Service was small in size and simple in structure,
in consonance with the limited responsibility of government,
essentially the maintenance of law and order for the purpose of
promoting progress. 27
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7.0. THE EVOLUTION OF CONSCIOUS DEVELOPMENTAL EFFORTS IN
NIGERIA (Pp. 23-30) With the attainment of independence, the
regulatory state gave way to what has been called the positive
state. State intervention in production activity, through the
instrumentality of the public sector, became a choice. 28
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In summary, the roles of public sector include: (i) incursion
into essential socio-economic areas where the private enterprise is
reluctant or incapable of operating due to: (a) the enormity of the
initial capital outlay; (b) the long gestation period; (c) low
profitability; and (d) Security element arising therefrom. (ii)
promotion of employment and skill for maintaining stability in
depressed areas; (iii) fair distribution of community needs; and
(iv) economic catalyst. 29
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8.0 NIGERIAS MARCH TO GREATNESS (p. 30) The Nigerias quest for
growth and greatness are weaved around Development the baseline of
which is improved life of the citizens. This commenced with the
launching of the first Ten- years Colonial Development and Welfare
programme as an earnestness of Britains new resolve to assist the
development of the colonies. 30
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(i) The developmental objectives of Nigeria were declared in
1970 and aimed at achieving: a united, strong and self-reliant
nation; a just and egalitarian society; a great and dynamic
economy; a land of full and bright opportunities for all citizens;
and a free and democratic society. 31
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(ii) The various National development Plans: First National
Development Plan - 1962 - 68 Second National Development Plan -
1970 - 74 Third National Development Plan - 1975 - 80 Fourth
National Development Plan - 1981 - 85 The Rolling Plans etc.
32
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The question may be asked, of what use are all these to the
citizens if indeed development is all about improvement of their
welfare? About this, we restate that the raison dtre` of
government, any government, is the good life for citizens (the
greatest happiness of the greatest number). Government therefore
demonstrates its responsibility to the citizens by its
responsiveness to their needs. These needs are expressed by the
citizens themselves through their demands made via various
channels. These Needs/Demands are schematically represented
overleaf: 33
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Fig. 2: Schematic Representation of Citizens Demands on
Government. 34 Demand for Shelter Demand for Education Demand for
Security Demand for Roads Demand for Water Demand for
Infrastructure Demand for Power Demand for Transportation Demand
for Food Demand for Health Government
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35
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The schema presents what could aptly be referred to as
Government Citizens Demand Model. At one end of a continuum is a
small group of people called Government who were elected to pilot
the affairs of the nation. At the other end are the citizens who
elected this group. The point must be made that first, this small
group emerged from among the citizens government of the citizens.
Secondly, they were elected by the citizens government by the
citizens, and Thirdly, they were elected to fulfill the yawnings of
the citizens expressed through their demands government for the
citizens. This expression is commonly referred to as Government of
the people by the people and for the people. 36
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Mr. Vice-Chancellor Sir, this model throws up the question
being asked ab initio what has Public Administration got to do will
all these? As earlier posited, government and the citizens are at
opposite ends of a continuum. In between these ends is a process
through which government can reach out to the citizens with a view
to meeting their demands. That process is public administration.
And the public service constitutes the engine while the public
servant is the driver of that process. 37
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The Nigerias Developmental Agenda (p. 33) The citizens demand
on government is articulated within a policy framework referred to
as developmental agenda. The situation as of today is that whatever
Developmental Agenda enunciated in Nigeria was presumably weaved
around the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) constitute a strategic Agenda for the
governance of 189 countries of the world that pledged their
commitment to those goals in the year 2000. Emergence of the goals
was informed by a genuine concern by both developing and advanced
countries to ensure a meaningful development outcome. 38
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These countries reached a consensus on how best to tackle
abject poverty and other human miseries such as illiteracy, gender
inequality, infant and maternal mortality, HIV and Aids, malaria,
squalor and environmental degradation. In consonance with the
Declaration, developed countries renewed their commitment to raise
resources for financing development. They promised to ensure that
0.7 percent of their Gross National Income is made available
through Official Development Assistance (ODA) to developing
countries. The developing countries also vouched their commitment
to improved governance. 39
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The Millennium declaration has been translated into eight goals
christened, The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs,
which use 1999 as the base year, aim to achieve the following by
2015: Goal 1: eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; Goal 2: achieve
universal primary education; Goal 3: promote gender equality; Goal
4: reduce child mortality; Goal 5: improve maternal health; Goal 6:
combat HIV & AIDS, malaria and other diseases; Goal 7: ensure
environmental sustainability; and Goal 8: develop a global
partnership for development. 40
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Nigeria, as a signatory to the Millennium Declaration, is
committed to achieving the MDGs by 2015. This commitment was
demonstrated by the then President of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR), when he launched a Reform
Agenda. 41
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The President emphasized: The reforms being introduced will be
all encompassing and all embracing .. no community, no individual
or group would be left out in the reform . In the process of that
reform, if some people are hurt, we have no apology. We will do
what has to be done to make Nigeria move forward, to make it what I
believe, God has created it to be, a land flowing with Milk and
Honey, a country to be respected within the comity of nations, a
land of glory; a land of prosperity, a land of what is right and
not a land of anything can go. 42
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Within the framework of the reform are the strategies of:
National Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (NEEDS); 7-Point
Agenda of the Yaradua Administration; and The Transformation Agenda
of the Jonathan Administration. NEEDS version of the state and
local government are: State Economic Empowerment and Development
Strategy (SEEDS); and Local Economic Empowerment and Development
Strategy (LEEDS). 43
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The conceptual issues on NEEDS/SEEDS/LEEDS are based on four
goals: poverty reduction; wealth creation; employment generation:
and value re-orientation. 44
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Mr. Vice-Chancellor Sir, the assessment of these developmental
Agenda/Reforms instigated a number of studies as follows: i. A
Study visit to Mexico and Brazil It will be recalled that an Expert
Group was put together by the Federal Government to study the
implementation of MDGs in Countries identified and adjudged as
adopting best practices in governance and administration. As a
member of this group, I took part in the study of Mexico and Brazil
in year 2009. Our findings from this study revealed that as at
2009, these countries had accomplished particularly the first five
(5) goals and had gone ahead to set new goals/ targets in this
direction. A point to note however, is a similarity between Nigeria
and Brazil (one of the countries studied) in the area of long
period of military interregnum. This study constituted a stimulant
for carrying out similar studies back home in Nigeria. 45
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(ii) Assessment of NEEDS The framework for actualizing the
goals of NEEDS as earlier stated, is anchored on three pillars:
Empowering people and improving social service delivery; Fostering
private sector led growth; and Enhancing the efficiency and
effectiveness of government. It will be recalled that NEEDS I and
II span the period between 2004 and 2011. Assessment of NEEDS
reflects targeted dates. The targets and actual accomplishments are
indicated in the table on pp. 37-38. 46
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As indicated in table 1, pages 37-38, there has been tremendous
and consistent improvement in the performance of the economy since
the inception of NEEDS in 2004. Real GDP annual growth rate
averaged 6.6% (2009-2011) as against the annual target of 6.0%; Oil
sector annual growth rate average 0.23% as against 0.0% targeted
(2009 -2011); Non-oil sector average annual growth rate; 8.2% as
against the NEEDS target of 8.0%; Inflation rate on the average, is
10.03%, (2009 -2011); Reduction of fiscal deficits to less than 3%
of the GDP; Stable exchange rate (convergences of parallel exchange
rates). 47
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External reserves grew by an annual average rate of about 230%;
from US$7.68 billion in 2009 to US$43 billion at the end of 2011;
Favourable external balance as reflected in increasing value of
non-oil exports; Phenomenal growth in the net in-flow of Foreign
Direct Investment (FDI) and portfolio investment, particularly in
the banking and telecommunications sectors; FDI rose from US$1.866b
in 2009 to US$2.3b and US$4.8b in 2010 and 2011 respectively;
Reduction in external debt stock from over US$30 billion to less
than US$5 billion; and Favourable rating of Nigeria by
International Credit rating agencies. 48
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Assessment of SEEDS The National Planning Commission (NPC) in
collaboration with development partners in Nigeria carried out
SEEDs Benchmarking exercise. The NPC and States deliberated in a
3-day joint consultative workshop and agreed on the framework for
the joint assessment of SEEDS. The Benchmarks were developed to
measure four areas of States performances using certain
identifiable indicators. For each of the measures, several
indicators spelled out in detail what evidence a State may produce
to show what appropriate actions have been taken to develop and
implement SEEDS. 49
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The Benchmark areas and their measures are as follows:
Benchmark 1: Policy Measures A to C in pp. 39 -40 Benchmark 2:
Budget and Fiscal Management Measures A to H in p. 40 Benchmark 3:
Service Delivery Measures A to D in pp. 40-41 Benchmark 4:
Communication and Transparency Measures A and B in p. 41 50
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States performance for two consecutive years (2007 and 2010)
based on points scored on indicators from the foregoing are
displayed in tables 2 and 3, pages 42 and 44. 51
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The latest Benchmarking Study on the Performance of SEEDS was
undertaken in 2010. The Results are indicated in table 3 below:
Table 3: SEEDS BENCHMARKING RESULTS 2010 S/N STATE TOTAL SCORE
POSITION 1. FCT61.55 1st 2. Lagos57.45 2nd 3. Ondo53.55 3rd 4.
Enugu52.75 4th 5. Oyo52.15 5th 6. Ogun51.45 6th 7. Kaduna51.5 7th
8. Kwara48.85 8th 9. Osun48.85 9th 10. Ekiti48.45 10th 52
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S/N STATE TOTAL SCORE POSITION 11.Rivers48.2 11th
12.Kano48.012th 13.Cross River47.513th 14.Imo46.814th
15.Nasarawa46.715th 16.Delta46.2516th 17.Edo46.1517th
18.Niger46.018th 19.Plateau45.5519th 20.Kogi45.420th 53
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S/N STATE TOTAL SCORE POSITION 21.Adamawa45.15 21st
22.Katsina44.95 22nd 23.Benue44.3 23rd 24.Bauchi44.25 24th
25.Borno44.25 25th 26.Anambra44.25 26th 27.Akwa-Ibom42.75 27th
28.Jigawa42.2 28th 29.Sokoto41.5 29th 30.Ebonyi41.15 30th 54
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S/N STATE TOTAL SCORE POSITION 31. Gombe 40.9 31st 32. Yobe
38.15 32nd 33. Abia 37.15 33rd 34. Taraba36.05 34th 35. Kebbi35.8
35th 36. Bayelsa33.25 36th 37. Zamfara 32.75 37th Source: Federal
Republic of Nigeria (2010) SEEDS Benchmark Report 2010 (Abuja:
National Planning Commission) 55
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A comparative analysis of tables 2 and 3 reveals the following
between 2007 and 2010. Ten (10) states recorded improvement. Thirty
two (32) states and FCT recorded improved performances on at least
one out of the four (4) benchmarks. Similarly eighteen (18) states
show improved performance in Infrastructure and Utilities. Twenty
two (22) on Regulatory Services. Nine (9) on Business Development
Support and Investment Promotion. Six (6) on Security. 56
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(iv) Assessment of LEEDS Successful implementation of LEEDS, we
aver, will make the greatest impact in Nigeria since greater
proportion of the citizens is concentrated at that grassroots
level. Hence, we undertook an empirical study of the implementation
of LEEDS in 2010. Methodology The method adopted for this study was
collection of relevant data with the aid of structured and
unstructured interview techniques. 57
Slide 58
The structured interview questions were derived from the
outcome of a 3-day workshop organized by the National Planning
Commission (NPC) for the 36 States of the Federation on the
framework for joint assessment of SEEDS. These, were adopted in
this study for assessment of LEEDS. Using the purposive sampling
procedure, twelve (12) out of the thirty six (36) States in Nigeria
covering the six (6) geo-political zones were identified. Two (2)
states were isolated in each of the six (6) geo-political zones.
Within each of the two (2) states, some local government areas
(LGAs) were randomly selected. The total number of LGAs per state,
informed the number selected in that state for the study to ensure
fair distribution. 58
Slide 59
The field exercise was carried out by three (3), Research
Assistants in each of the states isolated for the study and for a
period of eight days. Functionaries in each state such as Secretary
to the State Government. Head of Civil Service of the State.
Honourable Commissioner in charge of Local Government and
Chieftaincy Affairs and some Permanent Secretaries were interviewed
using unstructured interview technique designed from the outcome of
the 3-day workshop mentioned earlier. The purpose was to uncover
the policy objectives and direction of the state government with
regards to the design and application of SEEDS and LEEDS. 59
Slide 60
Armed with the emerging information, we approached a subsequent
target group thus: The local government officials; Community
Leaders; Village Heads; and Other beneficiaries of local government
services. With structured interview technique. The emerging data
were further explained with the aid of tabular analysis. Table 4
indicates a summary of the areas covered by the study. 60
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61
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The table indicates a wider coverage in the North-East
Geo-Political zone where 62.5% and 36.4% of LGAs were covered in
Taraba and Gombe States respectively. Similar wide coverage is
noticed in Nasarawa State with 61.5% LGAs covered. However, Cross
River (27.0%) and Kaduna (26.0%) States took the rear. RESULTS are
found in pages 47-52. 62
Slide 63
Summary of findings pp. 52 53 An overall assessment however
reveals a far cry from the MDGs and SEEDS/LEEDS targets. In fact,
non of the MDGs was consciously and seriously being addressed hence
there were: glaring poverty all over the place; increase in crime
rate largely due to unemployment; mortality rates due to little
attention paid to health related issues; despite so much campaigns
and jingles, cases of HIV/AIDS were in the increase. Leadership at
the local government and community levels appeared confused with
regards to MDGs guided development. There was absence of MDGs
offices in virtually all the LGAs studied hence the minimal
development observed were haphazard and at the whims and caprices
of particular leaders. The communities were, in most cases, left to
bear the brunt of developing their communities through self-help
efforts. Politicization of developmental issues at the local level
and the jurisdictional buck-passing between the state and local
governments gave much room for corrupt tendencies much to the
disadvantage of the communities. 63
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NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL AGENDA: AN ASSESSMENT The inextricable
linkage between the Yar`aduas 7-point Agenda and Jonathans
Transformation Agenda is captured within the context of National
Developmental Agenda. Adoption of Monitoring and Evaluation
strategy by government institutions and agencies which is referred
to as Score-Card, aided the assessment of progress made so far. key
Performance Indicates (KPIs) were applied as instruments. This is
articulated hereunder on a sector-by-sector basis. Note:
Statistical analyses leading to the verdicts are contained in pp.
54 - 57. 64
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HEALTH SECTOR The healthcare targets were met to a large
extent. 65 EDUCATION SECTOR For 2009, there is a worrying decrease
in the number of enrolment versus number of graduates for that
year. JOB CREATION FAILURE IN PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES The Federal
Ministry of Labour and Productivity would need to partner with the
private sector for accelerated performance of its set targets by
2013.
Slide 66
INTERNAL SECURITY A marginal increase in the overall crime
rate. 66 EXTERNAL SECURITY Achievements of the Ministry of Defence
include the ability to meet international obligations to peace
operations. Assisting internal security with military aids and
improved inter- operationability in joint operation exercises.
INFRASTRUCTURE Marginal improvement was recorded particularly in
power supply
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TRANSPORTATION Marginal improvement was recorded 67 WOMEN
AFFAIRS There were increased proportion of women occupying decision
making positions in Nigeria and the progress made towards achieving
the MDGs target by 2015.
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ASSESSMENT OF THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE MDGs IN NIGERIA In spite
of the foregoing efforts, verdict on Nigerias performance towards
the MDGs is returned by two umpires: (i) The Federal Government:
The Federal Government set up a Presidential Committee to monitor
and assess the countrys performance on MDGs. An assessment of years
2008 and 2013 respectively is undertaken as follows: (ii) a. In
year 2008, the Committee returned a verdict referred to as Nigeria
MDGs Report Card. This is displayed in table 6, page 58. b. The
Committees Report of 2013 displayed in table 7, PP. 59 61., is the
6 th in the series of such reports since year 2004: 68
Slide 69
Table 7 reveals that: (a) Nigeria is not likely to meet the
2015 target with regards to MDGs 1 (Eradicate Extreme Poverty and
Hunger) and 7 (Ensure Environmental Sustainability); (b) Nigeria is
likely to meet the 2015 target in Goals 2 (Achieve Universal
Primary Education), 5 (Improve Maternal Health), and 8 (Develop a
Global Partnership for Development); and (c) Although the Country
is not likely to meet the 2015 target with regards to Goals 3
(Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women), 4 (Reduce Child
Mortality) and 6 (Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases)
remarkable progress was made in that direction. For instance, the
Ebola Scare of 2014 was effectively curtailed kudos to the Jonathan
Administration 69
Slide 70
(iii) Assessment by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) In
its own assessment undertaken under the aegis of Civil Society in
year 2009, the non-governmental organizations returned a verdict
titled: Civil Society Score- Card, which we articulate hereunder:
(a)53.6% of Nigerians are still living in abject poverty; (b)8
Million school-aged children are not in school; (c)Over 43% of
Nigerians cannot read or write (60% are women); (d)One out of 100
Nigerian Children die before the age of five; (e)704 out of 100,000
Nigerian women die during child birth; (f)75 Million people in
Nigeria have at least one episode of malaria annually; and (g)72
Million Nigerians have no access to safe drinking water; Source:
This Day Newspaper, Wednesday August 1, 2009. 70
Slide 71
(iv) A corroboration of the foregoing was made by Professor
Ibrahim Gambari on 17th January, 2014 thus: 68% of Nigerians live
below the poverty line of less than $1.25 as defined by UNDP and
World Bank, in terms of income poverty; The multidimensional
poverty headcount is at 54%, the difference between the income and
multidimensional poverty, being non-income related resources
available to Nigerians in the latter category; (As you know we
Nigerians know how to manage our wahala with the support of friends
and family); 143 out of 1000 Nigerians die before the age of 5
years old; Maternal mortality ratio is 630 meaning 630 women out of
100,000 die at child birth; 71
Slide 72
Adult literacy is at 61% and only 51% of school aged Nigerians,
(that is from primary school to tertiary institutions) are
enrolled; Primary school enrolment dropped from 103% in 2005 to 83%
in 2010; The primary school situation is alarming because if
Nigeria continues on this course, the literacy level would even
drop further in the coming years due to the drop of enrolment in
primary school; 72
Slide 73
All these put Nigeria at 153 among countries on the HDI at
0.471, the higest since the HDI was introduced in 1990 and lower
than the Sub- Saharan Africa average of 0.475; Thus, with all our
wealth, Nigeria belongs to the low human development category where
its 2012 HDI (0.471) is higher than the global average value of
that category of 0.466, but lower as noted than the Sub-Saharan
Africa average; Nigeria is ranked 16th on the Fund for Peace Index
of Failed States with 5-year trend showing that the situation is
deteriorating; and Transparency International ranks Nigeria 144
(out of 175) on its 2013 corruption index. (Gambari, 2014: 13-14).
73
Slide 74
(v) An umpire The Food and Agricultural Organization, an agency
of the United Nations Organizations through its Director-General
Mr. Graziano da Silva made a pronouncement precisely in June, 2013
thus: 38 countries have already met internationally set hunger
eradication targets set for 2015 to halve the percentage of hungry
people. According to him, these countries have met part of the
first MDG (i.e. Goal No. I) which calls on member states to halve
by 2015 the proportion of people who suffer from hunger. 74
Slide 75
Mr. Vice-Chancellor Sir, Nigeria, along with seven (7) other
African countries (Algeria; Angola; Benin; Cameroon; Malawi; Niger;
and Togo) made the list ( Source: United Nations News Centre,
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp//reallife/html/story.asp)http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp//reallife/html/story.asp
75
Slide 76
(VI) A rather conflicting pronouncement was made precisely on
Tuesday, 12th November, 2013 by the World Banks (another United
Nations Agency) Country Director for Nigeria- Francoise Marie-Nelly
at the banks Country Programme Review (Portfolio Review) in Enugu.
According to her, 1.2 billion people live in destitution out of
which 100 million are Nigerians. (Amaefule Everesty, 2013:32).
76
Slide 77
In addition, Tijal Balton Akpan (2011: 16) observes that in the
past few years, we have seen growth in Gross Domestic Product, but
this has not been accompanied by any significant development
outcomes for the majority of Nigerians. He emphasizes that jobs are
critical to poverty reduction but they cannot be created in an
economy that lacks the critical infrastructure to support business.
77
Slide 78
In year 2014, Nigerias Honourable Minister of Finance and
Coordinating Minister of the Economy Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
raised Nigerias hopes and optimism when she pronounced precisely
during the Democracy Day Celebration that the Nigerian economy is
the fastest growing economy in the world. She supported the
position with the following statistics: (i)At 6.5 percent growth
rate, the economy is the fastest in the world; (ii)The exchange
rate has stabilized at between N155 and N160 to the dollar;
(iii)Inflation which was 12.4 percent in 2011 is now 9 percent;
(iv)The external reserve which was $32 billion in 2012 is now
(2014) $50 billion; (v)Over $75 billion debt was paid off this year
(2014). 78
Slide 79
Soon after this pronouncement, the Nigeria Labour Congress
(NLC) through its President, Comrade Abdulwahed Omar in a communiqu
issued at the end of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting
countered the claims. He stated: Although the economy is said to
have recorded a growth rate of about 7 percent, it has created few
or no job; leading to an all-time high unemployment records.
Whereas official figures put unemployment at 24 percent, there are
indicators to believe that the actual estimate could be as high as
60 percent or higher. Nearly all our employable youths remain
unemployed constituting a veritable army of the hungry,
disillusioned and angry with great potential for undermining the
peace and security of the nation. 79
Slide 80
The foregoing showcase both conflicting and not too impressive
reports particularly as it relates to Goal No. I. For instance, in
September 2010, the report was a poor performance; In June, 2013,
FAO pronounced that Nigeria had met internationally-set hunger
eradication targets; In the same year, November 2013, the World
Bank pronounced Nigeria as housing 100 million destitute; Of all
the 8 goals, destitution is mostly related to goal No. I; 80
Slide 81
If indeed, out of a population of about 160 million, 100
million, representing 62.5% are destitute; It clearly shows that
nearly 15 years after institutionalizing the MDGs as a policy
guide; The situation remains a far cry from the set target on this
goal (No. 1); And in May, 2014 Nigerias Coordinating Minister for
the Economy raised the hopes of Nigerians with regards to improved
economy; Only to be countered by the NLC President; Interestingly
both of them brandished statistics to support the conflicting
claims. 81
Slide 82
Mr. Vice-Chancellor Sir, these conflicting stories,
controversies and contradictions constitute a stimulant for an
empirical study. In response, we undertook a pilot study. This
study was made possible by Dr. (Mrs.) Nneka Chibogwu, the NOUN
Centre Director, Awka, who enabled me regain the confidence I lost
in my home state due to security challenges. The study was
conducted in 8 villages that make up the Ojoto town in Anambra
State. The villages are: (i) Ezieke; (ii) Umuchem (iii) Ire; (iv)
Enugo; (v) Indiabo; (vi) Ezema; (vii) Umuezema; and (viii) Ojo.
82
Slide 83
And the study further strengthened our testing instrument by
guaranteeing its validity and reliability. The outcome of this
pilot study has instigated another study that will encompass the 6
geo-political zones in Nigeria. The focus this time will be MDG No.
I on eradication of extreme poverty and hunger. The study will
however be enhanced where and when a Research Grant is secured.
83
Slide 84
9.0 CHALLENGES Remote and immediate challenges to the quest for
development in Nigeria could be categorized as follows: Political
Instability pp. 66 67. Policy Inconsistencies and Summersaults pp.
67 69. Professor Gambaris observation in this direction is
instructive thus: Nigerias development efforts have over the years
been characterized by lack of continuity, consistency and
commitment (3Cs) to agreed policies, programmes and projects as
well as an absence of a long-term perspective. The culminating
effect has been growth and development of the Nigerian Economy
without a concomitant improvement in the overall welfare of
Nigerian citizens. Bureaucratization (Bureaucracy is dead. What it
requires is a decent burial, Discuss) pp. 69 72. Corruption pp. 73
-78. 84
Slide 85
Most scholars and public commentators on the Instrument of
Governance (the Nigeria Public Service) agree that corruption and
abuse of office by political office holders are fallout of the
breakdown of moral values and ethical standards in the country.
Corruption has also been identified as one of the major problems
confronting the nation today. The Guardian of March 1, 1999 puts it
this way: Corruption is largely responsible for the seeming
collapse of everything we hold dear. Public offices are now seen as
avenues for self-enrichment rather than service. Words like Kola,
upfront payment, brown envelope, settlement, roger, Nigerian
factor, etc., have been added to our infamous national vocabulary.
Public officers now gleefully tell anyone who cares to listen that
na where man dey work na there him dey chop. Important public
institutions and parastatals like PHCN (defunct) NNPC, WAEC, JAMB,
the Police, the Universities, etc., have all collapsed because of
the pervasive nature of corruption in our public service. 85
Slide 86
Nigeria has gradually become a country where no service could
be rendered without money exchanging hands. Thank God, they have
not started demanding money for the air we breathe. The fact that a
public officer is paid monthly to render services to the public
does not make any impression on him/her. You will be told in no
unmistakable language that you either find something for the boys
or look elsewhere for services. Even when you summon enough courage
to report such acts of indiscretion to a higher authority, you are
likely to be advised, for your own good and in order to save time,
you had better comply with whatever request that is being made of
you. The effects of this complete breakdown of morality in the
system on both the citizenry and the society at large are better
imagined. For proponents of humanism and for those who pride
themselves as custodians of the African culture, of being ones
brothers keeper, such themes have no place in the decadent Nigerian
public service. 86
Slide 87
The system has brought out the bestial underpinnings of the
human nature. There is a deliberate attempt by everybody to outdo
the next person in corrupt practices. If you proclaim righteousness
or holiness as a public officer, you stand a chance of becoming an
endangered specie. The more daring and innovative you are in this
vice, i.e. corruption, the more you earn public recognition through
chieftaincy titles, honourary doctorate degrees while many women
queue up to join your harem. The economic effect on the country is
even more far-reaching. Nigerians the world over are regarded as
dubious people and scam artists. Holders of the green white green
passports are often and routinely humiliated at different airports
of the world. Even respected people in our country are not exempted
from the discriminatory search often conducted on our nationals at
different capitals of the world. 87
Slide 88
Businessmen are afraid to bring funds to Nigeria because of the
monstrous system we have created. This picture is vividly portrayed
in the Guardian of March 18, 1999 in the following words: visiting
foreigners are openly asked for bribe in the nations ports. Year
after year, Nigeria is listed as one of the most corrupt nations in
the world. Not too long ago, the former President of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, made the following
pronouncement: Public offices are the shopping floors of government
business. Regrettably, Nigerians have for too long been feeling
shortchanged by the quality of service delivery by which decisions
are not made without undue outside influence, and files do not move
without being pushed with inducements. Our public offices have for
too long been showcases for the combined evils of inefficiency and
corruption, whilst being impediments to effective implementation of
government policies. Nigerians deserve better. And we will ensure
that they get what is better. (Part of an Address presented by Mr.
President while inaugurating the National Assembly in June, 2003).
88
Slide 89
As explained elsewhere, different forms of corruption abound in
Nigeria. The vice is widespread as to be categorized within the
Nigerian context as Father Corruption, Mother Corruption, and Baby
Corruption etc. As posited by the erstwhile Governor of Plateau
State, Chief Joshua Dariye, the fight against corruption should
start from our individual homes because, if the so many acts of
baby corruption living with us can be eliminated, mother
corruptions will fizzle out into oblivion. What then constitute
baby corruption? The driver who is in the habit of driving against
traffic is committing baby corruption. The energy consumer who
refuses to put off his lights in the daytime and thus wastes energy
that should have been reserved for the evening is committing baby
corruption. The recruitment officer who must see what is under the
skirt before offering a job is committing baby corruption. The
parent who arranges a special centre for his ward where the
invigilator will not be able to exercise his statutory powers is
committing baby corruption. The lecturer whose handout is the
license for a pass mark is also in the web of baby corruption. The
commissioner who must be seen before releasing cash-backing for
staff salary cheque is equally in the net of baby corruption. The
list is endless. Mother corruption is lack of patriotism and tribal
disdain. Corruption must be eradicated for Nigeria to be purified
for Gods blessing (Maduabum, 2003:23) 89
Slide 90
Mr. Vice-Chancellor Sir, table 8, p. 76 indicates that for over
11 years (1996-2006), Nigeria was adjudged the most corrupt nation
on earth thrice, 1996, 1997 and 2000; and was ranked last but one,
four times, in 1999, 2001, 2002, and 2003. There is hardly any
other country that has such a dismal showing so consistently. There
is no doubt that corruption (and fraud) is a huge incremental or
unbudgeted cost of doing business in Nigeria. Because it imposes an
ethical (moral) dilemma on the investor, this in itself is a
disincentive to business and development, it poses a culture shock
to many foreign investors (Okojie, 2008). The latest ranking (2013)
however puts Nigeria at 144 th out of 175 countries which ofcourse
is an improvement, at least Nigeria has been able to overtake about
30 countries. 90
Slide 91
10.0 CONTRIBUTIONS TO KNOWLEDGE Mr. Vice-Chancellor Sir, The
various studies undertaken and reported in this lecture point-up
the following: The ubiquitousness of public administration to the
lives of the citizens of a nation state. The inevitability of
public administration in governance such as an instrument for
delivering the welfare or developmental packages from the
government to the citizens as well as measuring governments
fulfillment of its commitments to the citizens. In addition to
economic indices, development equally encompasses improved welfare
of the citizens (Greatest Happiness of the greatest number of
people). 91
Slide 92
Specifically the field survey of 2010 revealed that the
populace is concentrated more at the community level and,
development is meaningless unless it is addressed at that level. An
inverted pyramid in the area of importance and concomitant
distribution of wealth (resources particularly financial resources
required for infrastructural development) is indicated below: LEVEL
LEVEL OF OF IMPORTANCE IMPORTANCE 92 FEDERAL STATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT
COMMUNIT Y LOCAL GOVERNMENT STATE FEDERAL Current Situation
Adequate Situation for a meaningful development
Slide 93
Establishment of a fourth (4) level of government the community
government as a structure that will address majority of the
citizens in terms of development generally and infrastructural
development in particular thereby discouraging Rural-Urban
migration. The inverted Pyramid will also make the centre (Federal)
less attractive thereby saving Nigerians the ugly consequences of
struggle for power at the centre. The Public Service must not only
be acknowledged but recognized as a pivotal agent of transformation
of society. This is because whatever vision that is evolved by the
political class can only be fully realized if and when the public
service as an agent translates and implements such a vision. A dire
need for a vigorous Reform of public service to transform it to a
cutting-edge fully modernized organ. This cannot happen unless it
becomes a knowledge-driven, skill-propelling and positive
attitude-oriented public service. 93
Slide 94
11.0 CONCLUSION Mr. Vice-Chancellor Sir, distinguished ladies
and gentlemen, permit me to submit here that, the political will to
confront these challenges head-on is a desideratum if any progress
will be made in this direction. The question is, how can we do
this? What with the pervasiveness and ubiquitousness of the
recasitrant, cantankerous, cacophonic, unrepentant political bosses
who require immense psychological study to understand how to deal
with them lest one is caught-up in the web of if you cant beat
them, you join them. Resisting the temptation of doing a journal
Article titled: Dilemma of the Chief Executive is equally highly
challenging to me due to my closeness with various chief executives
I had the providence to work with at one time or the other. If we
take the education sector for instance, where leaders of yesterday,
today and tomorrow are moulded, the main drivers of the school
system continuously receive batterings and ill treatments of all
sorts, such that PNC Okigbo (1992) once stated that: the disdain,
with which the society treats the teachers, reduces teachers at all
levels to self pity. 94
Slide 95
When a renowned Professor at the University of Nigeria Nsukka,
offered me Banana and Groundnut as lunch after travelling all the
way from Badagry, Lagos, to meet him at Nsukka for an official
assignment, I needed no other suit-sayer to convince me that this
categoric group of supposedly top class Nigerians are, indeed, very
poor. What is more, the Professor was proudly announcing to his
bewildered visitor that what I met him eating was his normal lunch
and in the office too. And, of course, his rickety 504 peogueot
saloon car was parked outside the office at an age when even 505
peogueot saloon car was no longer in vogue. After all, didnt
Professor Attahiru Jega, then ASUU President, of the September 3,
1992 Agreement fame prove to the whole world after an academically
sound comparative analysis that the University Professor or
Lecturer in Nigeria was the least paid in the world? We must not
forget that while a professor is having a lunch of banana and
groundnut in his office, a legislator who probably was his student
at the undergraduate class or even secondary school is equally
having his lunch of a three-course meal at the Transcorp Hilton
hotel Abuja or an equivalent 5 star Hotel within a state capital.
Little wonder that some fortunate Professors just like their Civil
Servant counterparts run hither and thither at the beck and call of
the politicians and congratulate themselves for picking the crumbs
that fall from the Politicians table. Oh, what a country?. 95
Slide 96
Some say a no-nonsense leader in the mould of Murtala Ramat
Mohammed, non-laughing Buhari- Idiagbon, Sanni Abacha and his
Enough is Enough Syndrome and to a large extent Olusegun Obasanjo
of it is no longer Business as Usual may deliver the already
captured and embridled nation. Some even canvass a revolution
sighting the successes of Jerry Rawlings style of revolution in
Ghana. Wait a minute, the speed with which Ghana overtook Nigeria
in development may be an eloquent testimony to the effect that the
Jerry Rawlings model of revolution really worked for Ghana. Yet,
our leaders at whatever level troop to advanced countries year in
and year out to manage Estacode or siphon ill-gotten money while
pretending to study best practices in an environment that is
asymmetrical to the Nigerian environment. If a comparison is
necessary, Ghana has a more similar environment with Nigeria than
Britain, France, U. S.A., China and the like. Wouldnt the Ghana
revolution be a more likely, best practice that Nigeria and
Nigerians, both leaders and the led, old and young, rich and poor
need to study carefully and apply? Is Nigeria not among the blessed
countries in the world? What with the endowment of rich human and
material resources. We must recall that the then President, Chief
Obasanjo was so convinced about the wealth of this Nation that he
referred to the Nation as a land flowing with milk and honey. A
student of any of the management science disciplines will easily
address his mind to a comparison between adequate utilization,
inadequate utilization or mal-utilization of resources, albeit,
managing or damaging of resources. 96
Slide 97
Mr. Vice-Chancellor Sir, are we still asking the question what
has Public Administration got to do with it? Put differently, does
Public Administration really got anything to do with it? Just like
Professor Chinue Achebe in his usual Epilogue I leave the answer to
this highly respectable Audience. 97
Slide 98
12.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS All honour and glory go to God Almighty
for sustaining us thereby, making it possible for us to see this
day. On a more personal note, I make bold to state that Divine
providence granted me the privilege of coming across individuals
and institutions through whom, God in his infinite mercies impacted
immensely on my career life. These individuals and institutions are
too many to mention. The limitation inspired by space-constraint
would only permit me to mention just a few of them as follows: (i)
Professor Vincent Ado Tenebe the current Vice-Chancellor of NOUN
who threw up the challenge to all Professors in NOUN to fulfill the
Academic obligation of delivering an Inaugural Lecture. Perhaps,
but for that challenge I probably couldnt have been on the hot seat
at this moment. 98
Slide 99
(ii) Professor Sheikh Abdullah (OON) the then Director-General
of ASCON and former Honourable Minister of Agriculture as well as
an astute Professor of Public Finance. From those capacities
emerged purposeful leadership and learning experiences that posed
immense challenges for the pursuit of greater heights in my chosen
career, the result of which is my current status. It must be
recalled that as Chief Executive of ASCON, Professor Abdullah
nominated me for the Productivity Merit Award of the Federal
Government the only ASCON staff in history to be so recognized.
99
Slide 100
(iii) Professor Ali D. Yahaya (OFR), former Director-General of
ASCON, and later Political Adviser to the then Vice-President of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Professor Yahaya saw to my steady
but meritorious career progression in ASCON during which there was,
indeed, an explosion in the acquisition of knowledge, skills and
experience. These provided the foundation for my current height.
100
Slide 101
(iv) Professor Oluwole S. Olugbemi, (now late) was my academic
father. An outstanding Professor of Public Administration, he was
completely responsible for nurturing me academically when it
mattered most, from masters through doctoral degree programmes and
beyond. Whatever knowledge I acquired academically is attributable
mostly to late Professor Olugbemi. His memory remains evergreen in
my mind. (iv) My late father, Chief (Hon) P. O. Maduabum. He was a
bundle of wisdom; little wonder he foresaw, early enough, the
benefit of education while in an environment in which education was
minimally emphasized. He thus invested a lot in seeing me through
early formative education, thereby providing the basic foundation
upon which my current academic and, by implication, career height,
is attained. 101
Slide 102
( vi) Dr. I. B. Mmuobosi, (now late) provided the mentoring
needed in ASCON when it mattered most. (vii) My No. 1 constituency
the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), small as it
appears provides the platform for a serious minded person to
progress in whatever desired direction. What with its library
acknowledged as the biggest and best management library in Africa.
Interactions in that institution brought me closer to Professor
Adele Jinadu the then Director-General, whom I had earlier met in
Unilag during my student days,; Deacon A. A. Peters, the current
Director-General, a friend and my mate at ASCON, my other Ogas late
Mike Durodola, Mr. B. O. Oshionebo, Dr. M. J. Balogun (former
Director-General), then contemporaries Dr. Jimmy Chijioke, Alhaji
Ahmed Musa etc. Prominent among my products at ASCON is Major
General A. A. Martins. 102
Slide 103
(viii) The University of Lagos (another constituency) through
the Department of Political Science invited me soon after earning a
Ph.D degree in Public Administration in 1990 to assist it run the
Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree programme. I had
served in the capacity of Adjunct Academic Staff ever since and
rose to the position of Adjunct Professor. During this period, I
interacted with Professors Oye Oyediran, Muyibi Amoda (Cosmorgenic
Demurje), S. O. Olugbemi (late), Remi Anifowose, Tunde Babawale
(erstwhile CEBAAC Director-General) Tomori, Solomon Akinboye
(current HOD, Political Science Department and my Boss), Makanju
former Dean, Social Science Faculty; Assc. Profs. Browne Onuoha and
Derin Ologbenla, my Ph.D classmates Professor Iyabo Olojede, Dr.
Jide Oluwajuitan, Dr. M. M Fadakinte etc. My products at the same
institution include Dr. Augustine Eneanya, Dr. (Mrs.) Omolara
Quadri, Dr. Biodun Akinwanle, Dr. Felix Awosika, Dr. Isuwa B. Dogo
etc. then of course my current MPA students of Unilag as well as my
NOUN students all impacted positively on my career life. (ix) My
spiritual family the Knights of St. Mulumba (FESTAC Subcouncil);
Archbishop of Lagos Archdiocese (His Lordship, Dr. Adewale Martins;
Rev. Fathers Jude Onyeka, Greg Anosike, Tobias etc. 103
Slide 104
11.1 THE TRUMPET Mr. Vice-Chancellor, Sir, please permit me to
blow a little trumpet. I was fortunate to run into Professor
Olugbemiro Jegede, the immediate past Vice- Chancellor of NOUN at
the recently concluded Pan Commonwealth Forum (PCF 7) at Abuja.
Infact, I was meeting him for the first time since he left NOUN. He
demonstrated his passion and concerns about the growth of the
institution (NOUN) which he pioneered from birth. I never knew he
will recognize me because as I was joining NOUN, he was leaving and
we met only once before he left. After a brief exchange of
pleasantries he stated and I quote I learnt that you have turned
around the School of Business, keep it up. Mr. Vice- Chancellor
Sir, if there was any turn-around of that school, it was
collectively done by the staff of School of Management Sciences
(SMS) whom I regard as my immediate family in NOUN. One or two
evidence will suffice. 104
Slide 105
(i) Establishment of a functional Schools Library to among
others aid the writing of course materials, setting TMAs and Exam
questions, research and publications etc. In the last two years, we
have been receiving commendations some of which came from the
University Librarian Mr. Igwe Ukoha; the then DVC (Academic)
Professor Mba Okoronkwo (OON); some members of the NUC
Accreditation Team and lately requests from University of Lagos,
Lagos State University and Covenant University through the External
examiners from those institutions Professor Akinboye, Professor
Bello, Professor Ogundele to the effect that their graduate
students be allowed to make use of the SMS Library. The man at the
helm of affairs in that Library who also doubles as the Head of the
team on Research Projects is Dr. Timothy Ishola. (ii) Restructuring
of the entire school and rationalization of the programmes such
that the non-viable ones were dropped and the more viable ones
introduced. In addition, from an initial inherited 158 unwritten
course materials in the last two and the half years to a zero No.
of such category. 105
Slide 106
(iii) The initiation and eventual appointment by the
Vice-Chancellor of Adjunct Professors and Lecturers the completion
of unwritten course materials particularly in such technical areas
as Hotel and Catering, Tourism and Cooperative Management. (iv) In
2012, the SMS presented its four (4) programmes for NUCs
Accreditation Exercise and secured full Accreditation in three (3)
and interim Accredition in one. For the records, of the 31
programmes presented by NOUN, only four (4) had full Accreditation
and SMS alone accounted for 3 out of the 4. The Chairperson of the
Accreditation Committee of SMS was Dr. (Mrs.) A. O. Fagbemi. The
Coordinators of the three (3) programmes were (i) Mrs. Carol
Aturu-Aghedo, for Entrepreneurial and Business Management; (ii) Dr.
Timothy Ishola for Cooperative Management; and (iii) Mr. Stowell
Israel-Cookey for Hotel and Catering Management. Few months later,
SMS was again called upon to present its MBA and MPA programmes for
an accreditation exercise. The only School in NOUN that (i) faced
NUC accreditation team twice in one year; and (ii) presented its
post-graduate programmes for NUCs accreditation exercise. We
secured full Accreditation in MPA with 91.5% - one of the highest,
if not the highest to be so earned by any programme in any Nigerian
University. For MBA, it was interim Accreditation. The man who
headed the Accreditation Committee in SMS then was Dr. Clement I.
Okeke and the Coordinator of the MPA programme that brought such a
pride to SMS was Mrs. Martha Oruku. (v) My experience during the
two (2) Accreditation exercises which I fully participated in shows
that Study Centres played significant role in whatever grades
earned by programmes being accredited. To this end, I must
acknowledge the following Study Centres that made significant
contributions to our earning a full accreditation status in our
programmes. 106
Slide 107
(a) Enugu Study Centre headed then by Professor Patrick Eya
made such a contribution with regards to full accreditation in two
of our programmes namely: Entrepreneurial and Business Management;
and Cooperative Management; (b) Kaduna Study Centre headed by Dr.
Garba Nuhu and the beautifully laid out and excellently maintained
campus under the leadership of Dr. (Mrs.) Saratu B. Dikko-Audu made
similar contribution with regards to Hotel and Catering Management.
Professor Israel Adu represented the Vice-Chancellor and, by
implication, the NOUN headquarters at that centre. His role then is
equally highly acknowledged. (c) Abuja Study Centre headed then by
Dr. Akale Matt. similarly contributed to our earning full
accreditation in Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree
programme. 107
Slide 108
(vi) Institutionalization of a journal named: NOUN Journal of
Management and International Development in 2012. The second
edition of that Journal is currently in circulation. The presence
of this Journal, on the bookshelves among others, earned NOUN some
points during the NUCs Resource Assessment Exercise at the Enugu
Study Centre in June, 2013. The Editor of the Journal is Dr. (Mrs.)
A. O. Fagbemi and the Secretary is the indefatigable Mr. Julius
Enyanuku. (vii) Other staff that must be mentioned are Professor
Kayode Oguntuashe who is in charge of Adjunct Staff; Dr. Ibrahim
Idrisu, in-charge of Undergraduate Programmes; Dr. Mande Samaila
who operates at CLL but assists in overseeing CEMBA/CEMPA
Programmes; Mrs. Dayo Akinbowale, who was in charge of the
Administrative organ of the school; and Mrs. Carolyn Ajon the
Schools Confidential Secretary who had the singular task of typing
the initial Draft of this entire lecture. Infact, this inaugural
lecture is dedicated to the entire staff of the School of
Management Sciences. 108
Slide 109
11.2(i)The Entire staff of NOUN among whom are friends, my
persons, and my personal persons They know themselves and the
category to which they belong: (ii) My respect goes to the
Principal Officers of NOUN on the one hand and in particular
Professors Israel Adu, Femi Peters, Femi Ogunlale etc. on the
other. 109
Slide 110
11.3Finally, a towering figure who I refer to as my Precious
Marble of Inestimable Value (Chief Obafemi Awolowo) A certain Mrs.
Ijeoma Carol Maduabum currently a Comptroller of Nigeria
Immigration Services; 110
Slide 111
My first son Chuka, of Price-Water House and Coopers (PWC); His
junior brother Nnamdi-in quest of advanced academic degree in far
away USA; and Adamma the baby of the family who is also the Apple
of my Eyes. My beloved son Kanayo is equally fondly remembered.
111
