Akper calls for Ubuntu, moral renewal to tackle Nigeria’s Japa

By Jimoh Babatunde

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Technology, Innovation and Research) of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Godwin I. Akper, has called for a motivation and communal renewal arsenic a mode of addressing Nigeria’s worsening encephalon drain challenge, popularly known arsenic Japa.

Delivering the university’s 25th inaugural lecture titled “Are We the Reason? (Christian) Religion successful Nigerian Public Spheres” astatine the Convocation Arena successful Abuja, Prof. Akper said economical reforms unsocial cannot halt the exodus of professionals unless anchored connected ethical and communal values.

He traced galore of the country’s struggles—including the illness of healthcare and the formation of skilled workers—to what helium described arsenic neglect of nationalist morality. According to him, religion indispensable determination beyond outward displays to promoting justice, inclusivity and accountability.

Central to his lecture was the African doctrine of Ubuntu—“I americium due to the fact that we are”—which helium contrasted with the individualism driving migration.

He urged Nigerians to rebuild communal bonds and nationalist identity, stressing that “Africans indispensable question identities that unite alternatively than divide.”

Prof. Akper besides highlighted the dual relation of religion successful nationalist life. While it has inspired education, healthcare and humanitarian work, helium noted that hypocrisy and motivation failures among leaders person arsenic fueled corruption and inequality.

Showcasing NOUN’s innovations nether his watch, Akper cited the adoption of AI-proctored virtual examinations during COVID-19 and the university’s enlargement to implicit 80,000 graduates arsenic impervious that exertion tin span societal gaps if guided by human-centered values.

As a blueprint for renewal, helium recommended integrating Ubuntu morals into education, holding leaders accountable to motivation standards, and addressing poorness arsenic a moral—not conscionable economic—failure.

“Those who unrecorded and enactment contiguous to sphere the aboriginal unrecorded agelong capable to spot the future.”
The lecture, attended by academics, policymakers, and students, ended with a telephone for Nigerians to rediscover their shared humanity and regenerate Japa with corporate committedness to rebuilding the nation.

The station Akper calls for Ubuntu, motivation renewal to tackle Nigeria’s Japa appeared archetypal connected Vanguard News.