Abuja: A Teaching Professor at the University of Texas, Austin, U.S., Toyin Falola, has urged African nations to strengthen governance and curb corruption for sustainable development. Falola, a former Vice President of the International Scientific Committee, UNESCO Slave Route Project, made the call on Thursday at the maiden lecture of the Hassan Sunmonu Centre for Leadership and Governance. The event, with the theme 'Democracy and the Dynamics of Development in Africa', was held at Yaba College of Technology's Yusuf Grillo Auditorium, attracting scholars, policymakers, and civic leaders.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the lecture explored Africa's democratic transitions, questioning why decades of political reforms have not translated into equitable growth and sustainable socio-economic development across the continent. Falola emphasized that democracy's survival depends on institutional reform, moral leadership, and citizen participation to prevent corruption, abuse of power, and erosion of public trust. He noted that democracy cannot thrive where unaccountable elites dominate political and economic systems, adding that inclusion and justice are vital for sustainable development.
Falola recalled that traditional African governance, such as councils of elders and communal labor, promoted participation and social welfare before colonialism disrupted indigenous democratic systems. He stated that manipulated elections, vote buying, and ethnic divisions continue to weaken confidence, obstructing Africa's progress towards credible governance and democratic consolidation. He stressed that democracy provides the framework for accountability, but its success depends on transparent elections and fair distribution of power among all social groups.
The Chairman of the event, Mr. Faud Laguda, representing Surulere Constituency 1, praised Hassan Sunmonu as a leader who championed responsible and principled unionism. Laguda said the event symbolized Nigeria's renewed pursuit of visionary leadership, urging citizens to uphold ethics, unity, and accountability for national renewal. He encouraged YABATECH to align the centre with reputable think-tanks to advance transparency, leadership innovation, and participatory governance in Nigeria.
ASUU President, Prof Chris Piwuna, identified transparency, courage, and teamwork as pillars of active democracy essential for national progress and citizen engagement. Piwuna pledged ASUU's support for the centre, reaffirming commitment to ideals of integrity, leadership, and social transformation in higher education and governance. Earlier, Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, said the centre was created to promote leadership rooted in competence, integrity, and measurable national contributions.
Dr. Abdul stated that the centre's mandate includes fostering policy innovation, ethical leadership, and partnerships that link learning with national transformation. He added that the initiative reaffirms YABATECH's legacy as Nigeria's foremost technical institution committed to producing responsible leaders for national development. NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, lauded YABATECH for honoring Hassan Sunmonu, describing the gesture as recognition of labor's contribution to democracy and governance.
Ajaero pledged the NLC's partnership with the centre, urging it to serve as a hub for governance research and progressive leadership training in Nigeria and Africa. He stated, "This centre should become a furnace for producing visionary leaders capable of driving inclusive governance and social transformation." In his response, Sunmonu thanked YABATECH and called on labor organizations and young leaders to uphold ethical governance and mentorship ideals. He emphasized that the centre's sustainability depends on visionary leadership and collective responsibility, stressing that its future lies in the hands of present and future generations.