Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has called on Nigerian academics and professors to transition from passive teaching to “active developmental intellectualism,” stressing that the wealth of knowledge within university walls must directly translate into public policy and societal transformation.
Soludo argued that while Nigeria produces thousands of scholarly articles and professors, the disconnect between academic research and national governance remains a significant barrier to progress.
The governor stated this on Tuesday while delivering a lecture during the sixth Biennial Adada Lecture Series at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The event was organised by the Association of Nsukka Professors.
In his lecture titled, Our Future in Our Past: Intellectualism and the Making of African Renaissance, the governor questioned why academic discussions have seemingly lost their authority in national life.
He noted that despite the country producing thousands of professors and journals, there is a “severed link” between academic research and public policy, adding that professors must take the initiative in solving collective problems regardless of institutional constraints.
Addressing a packed auditorium of scholars, Soludo argued that while Nigeria’s past currently appears greater than its future, the “fusion of thought and action” remains the only bridge to a national rebirth.
The governor touched on sensitive issues, including state creation, Igbo marginalisation and the Biafra agitation, pointing out that the historical significance of the Nsukka auditorium in the first Biafra war suggests that the lack of extensive academic research on such pivotal events from within the institution is a missed opportunity for intellectual leadership.
He described the situation as a period of more noise but less light, where the link between intellectual change and government policy has been severed, emphasising that nations are not developed by natural resources alone but by ideas that precede the building of institutions.
The governor challenged the scholars to reflect on the local impact of their expertise, questioning why the Adada zone is not yet a “first-world” environment despite being home to hundreds of professors.
He said, “We produce journal articles, but how many have become policies? Intellectualism without activism is sterile. If you have 200 professors as members, how is the Adada zone not first-world? We must move beyond the walls of the university.
“Nations do not develop by resources alone, but by ideas that precede institutions. Historical giants like Isaac Newton, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Kwame Nkrumah, Ahmadu Bello and a host of others are examples of a shared pattern of logical thinking that yielded ideas and then built institutions.
“This is a call for a deepened sense of personal responsibility. In spite of systemic constraints, individuals must take action for the collective destiny.
“Standing akimbo is too expensive. We don’t just live; we live to matter. It is time to get back to basics and drive the African renaissance through active participation.”
Addressing the theme of Igbo integration within Nigeria’s federal system, Soludo remained firm in his stance, insisting that Igbo interests are best served within a united, functional Nigeria.
The governor further advocated “productive intellectualism,” where critical thinking guides public purpose.
Drawing from his first tenure as governor over the last four years, Soludo highlighted how he has attempted to bring intellectualism into governance through “sacrificial volunteerism,” saying he had laid the foundation for what he described as the “African Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley.”
He urged professors to take initiative in solving collective problems regardless of institutional constraints, revealing that his administration in Anambra has focused on laying the foundation for sustainable development by bringing intellectual responsibility into the heart of governance.
Soludo reaffirmed his belief that the interests of the Igbo people are best served within a united, functional Nigeria, maintaining that intellectuals must lead the conversation and craft sustainable solutions to move the region and nation forward.
The lecture concluded with a challenge to intellectuals and the wider academic community to multitask, stressing that the modern intellectual must be both a thinker and a doer, and that questioning the status quo remains fundamental to true intellectualism.
Earlier, Prof. Osita Ogbu, who presided as chairman, said the true benchmark of academic excellence lies not in the complacency of achievement but in an unyielding hunger for discovery and the courage to apply knowledge to real-world challenges.
Ogbu asserted that intellectuals are never satisfied and must keep working.
Echoing the sentiment, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, described the gathering as a significant homecoming for Soludo.
Ortuanya paid glowing tribute to the governor, commending his transformative contributions to Nigeria and his dedication to the service of humanity.
During the event, the governor was presented with an Award of Excellence by the organisers.
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