…As group identifies orientation shift to address socioeconomic challenges
By Adeyinka Adeniran
The founder, Positive Change Trailblazer Initiative (PCTI), Akeem Aderinto has said that the introduction of the Students Loan Fund (NELFUND) by the Federal Government is a good step that will help the government generate accurate and comprehensive data on students and fresh graduates alike.
The data, according to him will help the government make necessary plans for graduates who enjoyed the loan through job creation that would help them in repaying the loan, after graduation.
He spoke while fielding questions from journalists during a lecture to commemorate the 64th Independence anniversary of the country with the theme “Nigeria at 64: ‘The need for deeper reflection and orientation shift” which held at the University of Ibadan.
He said the lecture held in a bid to proffer lasting solution to the multifaceted problems confronting the nation particularly aided by the colonial mindset of some individuals.
He noted that the Non-Governmental Organisation, PCTI decided to take its campaign for a change to the grassroot, and thereby soliciting the supports of the relevant agencies of government.
Aderinto said “We need an orientation shift. If you and I can decide that henceforth we will not be eating imported food. The level of importation on rice or whatever will reduce. This is what we’re taking about. Shift.
“Talking about this student loan, I said it’s a good thing. If government start giving students loan it means the person you give loan for schooling, you must give him job. So data gathering is coming in.
“The government is becoming responsible unlike before when they don’t even know the number of graduates but if they have spent on them through loan, they must give them job. So that is kind of being responsible.”
In his presentation, the guest lecturer, a Professor of Global Law, University of Derby, Hakeem Yussuf noted that Nigeria’s transitional justice approach has been criticized for prioritizing the preservation of colonial era power structures, thereby favouring the interest of the local elites over those of victims of human rights violations.
He added that the phenomenon is rooted in the legacy of colonialism, which has significantly impacted the country’s governance, rule of law and nation’s building processes.
The legacy of colonialism, according to him has left an indelible marks in Nigeria’s socio-political and economic landscape.
He said, “The Institutional legacy of colonial style governance, adopted and adapted by the local elites, has perpetrated impunity and limited transitional justice efforts. The result is a governance that resist structural changes necessary for redress and institutional reforms.
“Several factors hinder transitional justice in Nigeria. The power dynamic at play, with the local elites grip on power and their reluctance to relinquish privileges pose significant challenges.
“Transitional Justice can contribute to state building in post colonial by addressing colonial legacies, promoting accountability, and fostering inclusive governance by confronting historical injustice and empowering marginalized communities, Nigeria can create a more sustainable foundation for peace and development.
“By engaging with this complexities, Nigeria can move towards a just and equitable future where the rights of all citizens are respected and protected.”
Also delivering his lecture, a Professor of Forestry Extension and Rural Learning, University of Ibadan, Ismail Azeez stressed the need for a change of mindset for the nation to move forward.
He noted that despite the huge natural resources that abound in the Country, the nation is still backward economically.
He said, “If truly we want a change, we should start thinking about the leadership. The kind of politics that we are playing in the country will get us nowhere if we don’t change our orientation.
“If we can show this change to the younger generation, I believe they will accept this change but if we can’t convince them that there is light at the end of the tunnel for them there’s no amount of orientation for them, it wouldn’t hold water.”
