A Professor of Political Science and Public Administration at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Olawole Oluwasuji, has warned that the continued migration of skilled Nigerians abroad, popularly known as "Japa," poses a major threat to the country's quest for sustainable development and self-reliance.
The professor made the assertion while delivering the university's 65th inaugural lecture titled, "Nigeria's Fragile Economy: Removing the Contours and Roadblocks to Sustainable Development," on Tuesday.
Oluwasuji argued that Nigeria's overdependence on crude oil exports and imported technology has continued to undermine its economic independence, stressing that genuine national autonomy cannot be achieved under a mono-product economy.
According to him, the country's heavy reliance on oil revenue has exposed it to external shocks and domestic disruptions, particularly insecurity in the Niger Delta, which has adversely affected crude oil production over the years.
He noted that attacks on oil infrastructure and unrest in the region had resulted in significant production losses, adding that Nigeria lost hundreds of thousands of barrels of crude oil daily during periods of heightened militancy.
The don also cited the effects of global economic downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic on Nigeria's economy, recalling that the sharp drop in global oil prices during the pandemic forced the Federal Government to review its revenue projections.
"The liquidity challenges triggered by the pandemic weakened the capacity of governments at various levels to implement poverty reduction and development programmes," he said.
Oluwasuji identified corruption, insecurity, policy inconsistency, nepotism, weak institutions, youth unrest, inadequate human capital development and lack of continuity in government policies as major obstacles to Nigeria's economic self-sufficiency.
He maintained that these challenges have left the country vulnerable to external influences, arguing that political autonomy becomes difficult when key sectors depend heavily on foreign inputs and external markets.
The professor advocated sustained investment in agriculture, manufacturing and the creative industry as part of efforts to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil earnings.
He also called for increased local production of goods such as textiles, pharmaceuticals and electronics, saying such measures would strengthen the nation's productive capacity and reduce import dependence.
To accelerate technological development, Oluwasuji urged the government to prioritise funding for research, science and innovation, while strengthening institutions such as the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure and the National Information Technology Development Agency.
He further recommended investment in artificial intelligence, satellite surveillance and data protection technologies to improve national security and enhance technological self-reliance.
The academic also called for greater independence for anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, to improve transparency and public accountability.
Expressing concern over the increasing wave of skilled professionals leaving the country, Oluwasuji said government must create an environment that rewards competence, provides employment opportunities and encourages innovation among young Nigerians.
He stressed that education should be restructured and adequately funded to meet the country's industrial and technological needs, noting that youth unemployment and poor access to quality education continue to hinder national development.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, described inaugural lectures as part of the institution's contribution to national development and intellectual advancement.
Ige commended Oluwasuji for his scholarly contributions and commitment to addressing issues affecting Nigeria's growth and development.
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