A professor of Public Administration at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Prof. Ehiyamen Mediayanose Osezua, says Nigeria’s future depends on credible, accountable and results-driven institutions not individual leaders.

He made the remarks during the university’s 11th inaugural lecture held on 5 May 2026 at its main campus in Okitipupa, Ondo State.

“Governing without results”

Speaking on the theme “Governing Without Results: Public Administration, Leadership and Institutional Failure in Nigeria. Quo Vadis?”, Prof. Osezua argued that Nigeria’s core problem is not a lack of talent or resources, but a failure to use them effectively.

“Nigeria’s tragedy is not the absence of institutions, talent, or resources, but the failure to mobilise them with integrity, discipline, competence, and developmental clarity.”

He added that governance in the country has often failed to translate into measurable outcomes for citizens.

Why it matters

According to the professor, weak leadership and administrative systems have far-reaching consequences for both the economy and everyday life.

He identified key challenges including:

Leadership deficits

Corruption and political opportunism

Bureaucratic inefficiency

Judicial fragility

Weak public trust

These issues, he said, continue to limit growth and undermine confidence in public institutions.

Path to reform

Despite the challenges, Prof. Osezua said Nigeria’s situation is “not irreversible”, outlining several reforms needed to rebuild trust and drive development.

His recommendations include:

Restoring merit in public service recruitment and promotion

Enforcing accountability and consequences for misconduct

Adopting results-based governance

Expanding e-governance and digital administration

Reducing the cost of governance

Reprioritising public spending toward development

He also called for strengthening democratic institutions and tackling corruption more decisively.

Broader societal role

The professor stressed that national renewal must go beyond government.

He urged:

Academia to drive innovation and policy solutions

Traditional and religious institutions to support social values

Citizens to re-engage with governance

He also advocated restructuring Nigeria’s federal system to address long-standing imbalances.

Institutional response

The Vice-Chancellor of OAUSTECH, Temi Ologunorisa, described the lecture as timely and impactful.

“A fantastic presentation meant to address leadership decay and administrative imbalances.”

He called on policymakers and public sector leaders to adopt the recommendations as part of efforts toward national renewal.

Industry and public perspectives

Public administration experts say the lecture reflects long-standing concerns about governance in Nigeria, particularly the gap between policy formulation and implementation.

Analysts note that adopting results-based governance and strengthening institutions could improve investor confidence, service delivery, and economic stability.

What’s next

Whether these recommendations translate into policy remains uncertain, but experts agree that institutional reform will be critical as Nigeria seeks sustainable growth.

The lecture drew a wide audience, including scholars, government officials, legal experts, and students—highlighting growing interest in governance reform.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has met with the Director-General of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Ayo Omotayo, to explore collaboration on national security and governance.

The meeting took place on Thursday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, bringing together senior officials from both institutions.

Professor Omotayo was accompanied by Leye Oyebade and Dr. Garba Malumfashi.

Why It Matters

The talks signal a growing push to align policing with research-driven policy development in Nigeria.

Security experts say stronger collaboration between operational agencies and policy institutions could improve intelligence gathering, leadership training, and long-term national security planning.

NIPSS, which operates under the Presidency, plays a key role in shaping high-level government policies and training senior public officials.

Focus on Security, Leadership, Policy

According to officials, discussions centred on:

National security strategy

Strategic leadership development

Capacity building within the police

Policy research and institutional support

In his remarks, Professor Omotayo highlighted the institute’s role in national development.

“NIPSS… remains Nigeria’s foremost policy think tank and centre for policy formulation,” he said.

“It is the nation’s apex platform for strategic reflection, research, and dialogue.”

Police Emphasise Reform and Professionalism

Responding, IGP Disu welcomed the partnership and stressed the importance of linking policing with policy expertise.

“Strategic collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and policy institutions is vital in advancing national security objectives,” he said.

He reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, capacity development, and ongoing reforms.

“The Force is ready to partner with NIPSS in advancing research, policy formulation, and leadership development initiatives.”

Industry and Public Perspective

Security analysts note that Nigeria’s evolving security challenges ranging from urban crime to organised violence require coordinated responses across institutions.

Closer ties between the police and policy bodies like NIPSS could help bridge the gap between theory and field operations.

For citizens, improved collaboration may translate into more effective policing, better-informed policies, and stronger public safety outcomes.

What’s Next

Both institutions are expected to deepen engagement through joint programmes, research initiatives, and leadership training.

The Nigeria Police Force says it will continue building partnerships aimed at strengthening internal security and governance.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rejected allegations that its officers extorted ₦100,000 from commercial bus drivers, following an internal investigation that found no evidence of wrongdoing.

The agency also called on media organisations to prioritise accuracy and verification, warning that false reports could damage public trust in government institutions.

Investigation Findings

Speaking after the probe, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the allegations were thoroughly examined by an investigative panel.

He explained that the vehicles involved were penalised for traffic violations, not extortion.

“The panel’s findings unequivocally established that the vehicles in question were apprehended for wilful obstruction, in contravention of extant traffic regulations,” he said.

According to him, all payments made by the drivers were legitimate and properly remitted to government accounts.

“These findings… decisively debunk the allegations of extortion,” he added.

Why It Matters

Traffic enforcement agencies like LASTMA play a key role in managing congestion in Lagos, one of Africa’s busiest urban centres.

Allegations of misconduct can erode public trust and discourage compliance with traffic laws.

At the same time, inaccurate reporting could mislead the public and damage institutional credibility.

Media Responsibility and Public Trust

Bakare-Oki stressed the importance of responsible journalism in a democratic society.

He described the media as essential in shaping public understanding and promoting civic responsibility.

“The dissemination of unverified claims and sensational narratives constitutes a grave threat to institutional credibility and public trust,” he said.

He urged journalists to adopt strict fact-checking practices before publishing reports.

Public Reaction and Expert View

Some media analysts say the situation highlights the tension between accountability reporting and misinformation risks.

Road users, meanwhile, often complain about enforcement practices, making transparency critical for agencies like LASTMA.

What’s Next

LASTMA says it will continue engaging with the media and the public through official channels.

The agency highlighted its toll-free hotline (080000527862) and a Physical Complaints Unit (PCU) where citizens can report incidents or verify claims.

It also reiterated its commitment to openness and accountability.