My Advocacy is Socialism Embedded in Pan-Africanism – Professor Odukoya

By Charles Maduka and Daniel Nnamani

A Professor of Comparative Political Economy, and the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Adelaja Odutola Odukoya, delivered the 6th inaugural lecture of the 2024/2025 academic session on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, at the J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium, UNILAG.

The lecture, titled “Armageddon?”, addressed various challenges facing Africa, including economic difficulties, energy challenges, leadership crises, and the lingering effects of colonialism.

Professor Odukoya argued that the capitalist system has not benefited the continent and advocated for a return to Pan-African socialism as a solution.

“My advocacy is a socialism embedded in Pan-Africanism. This is the kind of socialism capable of liberating us from the afflictions of decadent capitalism, which Professor Adele Jinadu aptly describes as diabolic politics,” Odukoya said.

Odukoya also highlighted Nigeria’s significant increase in electricity tariffs and its negative impact on universities. He noted that as of May 2024, the University of Lagos was paying approximately ₦153 million for electricity, but the cost has since risen to about ₦381 million as of December.

“The University of Lagos’ monthly electricity bill has jumped from about N153 million in May 2024 to around N383 million since becoming a citizen of Band A. Like the University of Ibadan, the payment of electricity bills is a top priority for the University of Lagos.

“Given the outrageous electricity bill when juxtaposed with its revenue, the University of Lagos now struggles to pay between N190m and N200 million monthly with its monthly bill jumping from about N153 Million in May 2024 to around N381 million in December 2024”, he noted.
He pointed out that all universities in the country have been moved to the highest electricity tariff band, which he referred to as ‘Bandit A’.

The renowned expert revealed that Nigeria generates about 12,000 megawatts of electricity but can only transmit half of this amount.

Speaking further, he discussed how the current educational curriculum is heavily influenced by Western education, which may not align with Africa’s unique culture. He described Africa as a ‘crippled giant,’ emphasising the continent’s potential hindered by systemic challenges.

Proffering solutions to the plethora of challenges bedevilling Nigeria, Professor Odukoya shared his vision on restructuring and the need for socialism in Nigeria’s political arrangement, adding that Africa is not dead yet. The scholar believes that Nigeria and Africa can be great again.

The lecture, which started at exactly 4:00 PM was attended by members of the university community, family members, and dignitaries from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) where he served as chairman of UNILAG Chapter and is currently the coordinator of the south-west zone.
Also present at the lecture are Prof. Francis Ogunye and His Royal Highness Alaiyeluwa Oba Abdulrasheed Abayomi Banjo, the Olokine of Ojowo, Ijebu-Igbo.