Renowned Professor of History, Professor Olutayo Adesina has described challenges facing Nigeria as those emanated from the era of Lord Lugard, stating that restructuring is the only solution.
Adesina, who was the guest lecturer at a special public lecture organized to mark 60th birthday of Professor Siyan Oyeweso, held at the Ikire Campus of Osun State University, positioned that lack of education remains the root of the insecurity in the country.
The university don also warned of possible civil war, stating that all the signs and indications that led to the 1967 civil war, are currently repeating themselves and are pervasive in the land.
He said the ravaging insecurity and agitation for Biafra and Oodua Republics are reminiscent of what transpired before the last civil war. He also added that the problems of restructuring is the resistance by northern elites, who view restructuring as a way of seizing power from them.
“Nigeria’s problem stemmed from the era of Lord Lugard, when he brought the two different protectorates together. The only solution is restructuring. But how it will happen, I can’t say. Because the northerners see this as a way of seizing power from them.
“If you look at insecurity facing the land, it’s obvious that it emanated from inability to educate young persons in the 1970s and 1980s and those uneducated youths then are the ones leading war against the Nigerian State. They are the bandits and other names you call them.
“If care is not taken, Nigeria may go into another Civil War. The present agitations, insecurity and other separatist are reminiscent of what we witnessed prior to the last Civil War. We must avoid it totally. The effect of last one is today still visible and people still nurse the wounds caused.” Adesina said.
Earlier, the Provost of College of Arts and Humanities, Prof (Mrs) Temitope Balogun has described the celebrant, Prof Oyeweso as a pathfinder, academic icon and an erudite scholar, who dedicated his life to the advancement of humanity.
Balogun highlighted the solid foundations laid for the College by Oyeweso as the pioneer Provost.
Others who spoke at the event, enumerated the sterling qualities of the celebrant and they all prayed for long life for him.
In his remarks, Oyeweso appreciated everyone at the event. He also used the avenue to appreciate his Creator for sparing his life to witness 60th birthday.
The academic icon revealed that he would henceforth be closer to God, as that remains his weakness.
Highlights of the event included cultural display by students of the faculty of Arts and cutting of 60th birthday cake.
