Olanipekun Challenges Intellectuals to Proffer Solution to Nigeria’s Economy

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti (EKSU), Professor Eddy Olanipekun, has challenged professors and intellectuals both within and outside the country to come together and fix the country’s economy.

Olanipekun threw the challenge while giving his remark at the 80th inaugural lecture of the institution, delivered by a Professor of Medical Biochemistry at EKSU, Prof. Olayinka Anthony Awoyinka, titled ‘Exploring Underutilized Local Fibre: Panacea for Economical and Healthy Foods’, held at the university auditorium.

The vice-chancellor described as disheartening that despite the high numbers of Nigerian professors and intellectuals within and outside the country, the country was still relying on expatriates to fix the country’s economy and refineries.

He said it was high time Nigerian intellectuals both the ones residing in Nigeria and the ones in diaspora did come together and fix not only the refineries but also the challenges confronting the country’s economy.

Olanipekun described as worrisome the fact that Nigerian professors and intellectuals excel in their various establishments across the globe and left their own country to wallow in economic woes while doing nothing about it.

“It is disheartening to note that in spite of the high level of highly talented professors, intellectuals within country and across the globe, we are still relying on expatriates to come and assist us in fixing the country’s economy and refineries.

“I can boastfully say that Nigeria is blessed with highly talented son and daughter intellectuals, professors and what have you, and they are all doing well at their various stations and establishments, but it will amaze you that despite this, we are unable to fix our own economy.

“It is high time we did intellectual interaction by actually coming together as intellectuals to proffer physical solution to the problems of the country.

“We cannot continue like this, our professors and intellectuals should come together and prove their mettle by solving the country’s hydra-headed problems,” Olanipekun added.