Nigeria’s long-running struggle with governance, identity, and national cohesion resurfaced this week as Professor Adewunmi Falode of Lagos State University (LASU) offered a bold, thought-provoking critique of the country’s political structure. Speaking during LASU’s 115th inaugural lecture, titled “Bespoke Solutions: Reimagining, Reifying and Realigning the Wheels of the Nigerian State,” Falode argued that the popular call for federalism—as borrowed from foreign models—may never work for Nigeria unless redesigned to fit the country's unique realities.
Falode didn’t mince words. He said Nigeria’s leaders adopted “textbook federalism hook, line and sinker” without adapting it to local complexities—ethnic diversity, historical tensions, uneven development, and the ever-fragmented political landscape. According to him, simply copying federal systems from other countries cannot fix the deep “fractures in the nation’s seams.”
Instead, he proposed what he calls “competitive federalism,” a framework where the central government is weak or decentralized while states are empowered and strong. But he stressed that this is not a call for regionalism or breaking the country into isolated blocs. Rather, states should coexist, collaborate, and grow within clearly defined and mutually agreed terms, instead of developing independently in silos.
Falode, a professor of International Relations, History and Strategic Studies, also spotlighted Nigeria’s political culture—particularly its democracy—as expensive, inefficient, and unable to deliver truly inclusive governance. He called for a seven-year single tenure for elected officials, arguing that it would reduce election costs and give leaders enough time to focus on governance rather than perpetual campaigning.
To rebuild the nation’s foundation, he emphasized the realignment of three critical pillars: education, democracy, and federalism. Drawing inspiration from China, Falode explained how strategic use of education helped shape national identity and unify language—something he believes Nigeria can learn from.
The Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello—represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Oseni Afisi—commended Falode’s deep scholarship and timely contribution to national discourse.
In essence, Falode’s message was loud and clear: Nigeria needs custom-made solutions, not imported templates. And until the country reimagines its political structure to match its own realities, the dream of stability and true nationhood will remain out of reach.