The Vice-Chancellor of Ahman Pategi University, Patigi, Kwara State, Professor Mahfouz Adedimeji has urged Nigerians and Governors to accept responsibility and stop the blame game over economic woes in the country.
Adedimeji also stressed the need for Governors and Nigerians to play their part in improving the economy and seek solutions to the current economic hardship.
Speaking at the one-year anniversary public lecture of the VC, Professor Olayinka Karim of Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State, Adedimeji advocated for servant leadership style to tackle the current leadership structure across the country.
According to him: “Servant leadership is applicable in Nigeria system and it is possible. It was done before and it can also be done now, it only require courage of character, sacrifice, empathy, discipline and prioritising the needs of Nigerians over and above the needs of those who are in power.
“We know the President is making a lot of efforts in recent times and we know that if anything will be good we will experience a certain level of discomfort in the beginning. I want to appeal to our leaders to attend to the need of the people first, it is true that many people are suffering, and our governors must take a bold step to show people that they really care.
“I want to urge Nigerians to accept responsibility, we should avoid the blame game, do what you can at your level, everybody is a leader, the concept of leadership is at the doorstep of everybody, before you look at Abuja, look at what is happening in your house, look inward. Nigerians are the one looting palliative, which tell greatly on our characters. Let us think of what we can do and work out solutions. Nigerians should also change themselves before we blame the leaders, they are reflection of the society.”
Professor Kareem disclosed that she was motivated to pursue her Vice-Chancellorship ambition because of the influence of the likes of Professor Grace Alele-Williams, who was the first female Vice-Chancellor in the country.
She added that her passion for service was responsible for her achievements within 12 months in office, pledging to do more in a bid make Fountain University a global brand.
Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/nigerians-govs-must-accept-responsibility-for-economic-woes-varsity-vc/