Scholars, CSOs blame weak governance on academics’ underrepresentation

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Scholars, policymakers, civil society actors and other stakeholders have expressed concern over the underrepresentation of academics in Nigeria’s political leadership and public decision-making processes, saying the gap has contributed to weak governance and policy inconsistency in the country.

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The concerns were raised during the 2026 Democracy Day Discourse organised by the Muslim Lecturers Association through its Committee on National Issues, Development and Advocacy.

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The participants lamented what they described as a growing “deficit of intellectual influence in governance,” arguing that the absence of academics from leadership positions has weakened institutional performance and hindered evidence-based policymaking.

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The discourse, themed “Classrooms to Cabinets: Activating Academic Leadership for Democracy and Governance,” featured presentations by Prof. Ismail Ibraheem of the University of Lagos, Associate Prof. Yinusa Olumuyiwa of Olabisi Onabanjo University, and Associate Prof. Olanike Adelakun of Lead City University, Ibadan. Lukman Raimi moderated the session.

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This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the discourse and signed by Raimi, who is the Chairman of C-NIDA and convener of the event.

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The communiqué was made available to journalists on Monday.

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According to the communiqué, the speakers noted that despite being custodians of knowledge and evidence-based solutions, academics remain significantly underrepresented in political leadership and public decision-making.

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“Despite being custodians of knowledge and evidence-based solutions, academics remain significantly underrepresented in political leadership and public decision-making,” the communiqué stated.

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“The absence of intellectuals from governance spaces has contributed to policy inconsistencies and weak institutional performance.”

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Participants argued that Nigerian universities must reclaim their traditional role as catalysts for national development, stressing that institutions of higher learning should not merely award certificates but also generate ideas capable of transforming society.

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“The discourse noted that universities are not merely centres for teaching and certification but laboratories for generating ideas that can transform society,” the communiqué said, citing examples from advanced democracies where academic research has influenced governance reforms and national development strategies.

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The gathering also highlighted the persistent disconnect between academic research and government policymaking, warning that valuable findings produced by Nigerian universities rarely translate into actionable public policies.

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The communiqué noted, “The country suffers from a persistent gap between academic knowledge and government action, leading to repeated policy failures and ineffective governance.”

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Participants identified poverty and the increasing commercialisation of politics as major barriers preventing academics and other professionals from seeking elective office. They argued that exorbitant nomination fees, campaign financing requirements and mobilisation costs have restricted political participation to wealthy individuals and political financiers.

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“Politics has become overly commercialised, restricting participation to the wealthy and political financiers,” the communiqué added

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The discourse further criticised the continued influence of political godfathers, saying the practice undermines democratic accountability and discourages competent and principled citizens from entering public service.

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Participants maintained that sustainable democracy depends more on strong institutions than on powerful personalities, stressing that weak institutions create opportunities for corruption, policy inconsistency and governance failures regardless of who occupies public office.

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While encouraging greater involvement of academics in governance, the discourse emphasised that political participation extends beyond contesting elections.

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“Academics contribute significantly through advisory roles, public policy engagement, technical expertise, legislative support, civil service leadership, consultancy, advocacy and institutional reforms,” the communiqué stated.

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The participants also underscored the importance of preserving the credibility and integrity traditionally associated with academics, describing such reputational capital as a valuable national asset capable of strengthening public trust in democratic institutions.

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On electoral reforms, the discourse acknowledged the historical role played by academics as returning officers during elections, but argued that electoral integrity cannot rely solely on individual academics.

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“Broader reforms addressing vote-buying, ballot manipulation, violence and institutional weaknesses are necessary,” the communiqué stated.

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The event also examined the impact of the migration of academics and professionals abroad, popularly known as the “Japa” phenomenon. Participants linked the trend to poor funding, inadequate working conditions and limited research opportunities, but noted that many Nigerians in the diaspora continue to contribute expertise and networks to national development through what they described as “brain circulation.”

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Another key concern raised during the discourse was the limited participation of women in politics and governance. Participants observed that female academics face additional barriers arising from patriarchy, stereotypes, discrimination and societal expectations.

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“Greater institutional support and societal acceptance are required to increase women’s participation in governance,” the communiqué said, adding that inclusive governance must create practical opportunities for women and young people beyond rhetoric.

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The discourse concluded that Nigeria’s challenges, including insecurity, poverty, unemployment, educational decline and governance deficits, require evidence-based solutions rather than political rhetoric.

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“Scientific research, policy experimentation and data-driven decision-making must guide national development efforts,” participants stated.

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To address the concerns identified during the discussions, the communiqué proposed several policy measures, including the establishment of a National Academic Policy Fellowship Programme to deploy distinguished academics to government institutions annually to provide evidence-based policy support.

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Other recommendations included reducing financial barriers to political participation, institutionalising transparent crowdfunding for political campaigns, strengthening university-government partnerships, increasing research funding, establishing academic advisory councils at all levels of government, promoting civic and leadership education, supporting women’s political participation and creating a national framework for integrating academic research into policymaking.

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In its concluding remarks, the discourse reaffirmed that Nigeria’s democratic future depends on effectively harnessing the country’s intellectual resources.

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“The nation’s vast reservoir of academic expertise remains one of its greatest untapped assets,” the communiqué stated.

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It added that the transition from “Classrooms to Cabinets” should not be viewed solely as participation in elective politics but as a broader commitment to ensuring that “knowledge, evidence, integrity, competence and public service form the foundation of governance in Nigeria.”

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The communiqué expressed optimism that by strengthening universities, adequately funding research, promoting inclusive leadership and institutionalising evidence-based policymaking, Nigeria can build a democratic system capable of delivering prosperity, justice, security and sustainable development for all citizens.

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