Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has said Nigeria’s economic and technological future will depend on the strength of its universities and the quality of leadership they produce.

He made the remarks on Thursday while delivering a lecture at the Foundation Day of Federal University of Technology, Akure, where he was guest speaker.

Speaking on the theme “Leadership, Organisational Performance and Technology in a Rapidly Changing World,” the governor said higher institutions must go beyond awarding degrees.

“A university of technology exists not merely to award academic degrees but to produce skilled, innovative and technologically competent graduates,” he said.

Why it matters

Nigeria is grappling with youth unemployment, digital transformation, and global economic shifts.

Experts say universities play a key role in preparing graduates who can compete globally and drive innovation locally.

Aiyedatiwa warned that without strong leadership and adaptable education systems, the country risks falling behind.

“The true measure of leadership is not only what we achieve today, but the future we prepare others to build,” he said.

Leadership beyond titles

The governor stressed that leadership is not about authority, but influence and adaptability.

“Leadership remains fundamental to organisational success,” he said, adding that it involves motivating people towards shared goals rather than coercion.

He described leadership as a continuous process shaped by interaction, experience and changing realities.

According to him, effective leaders combine different styles including democratic and autocratic approaches depending on the situation.

Universities as drivers of innovation

Aiyedatiwa described universities as critical to innovation, human capital development and national competitiveness.

He cited institutions such as:

Federal University of Technology, Akure

Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology

Adekunle Ajasin University

University of Medical Sciences Ondo

as key to Ondo State’s development strategy.

He also referenced plans to upgrade Rufus Giwa University of Agriculture.

Technology reshaping leadership

The governor noted that emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and data analytics are transforming leadership and organisational performance.

“Technology may change the tools we use, but leadership will always determine the direction in which society moves,” he said.

However, he cautioned that technology alone cannot guarantee success without strong leadership.

University response

The Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Adenike Oladiji, said leadership and technology are central to improving organisational performance.

“Technology has become central in the digital age, serving as a vital tool for leaders to shape organisational direction,” she said.

She also praised the Ondo State Government for infrastructure support, including a teaching hospital, water supply and road projects.

Industry and public perspective

Education analysts say Nigeria must align its university curriculum with global trends, especially in technology and leadership training.

What’s next

Aiyedatiwa urged universities to focus on:

Critical thinking

Adaptability

Leadership development

He said these skills are essential for navigating global disruptions.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said he will not contest for president again after the 2027 election, describing the race as his “last outing”.

He made the declaration during an interview on Arise News Channel, where he reflected on his long political career and repeated attempts to lead Africa’s most populous country.

“Certainly yes,” he said when asked if 2027 would be his final bid.

“Because the stakes are higher, because I believe that will be my last outing. So that’s incontrovertible.”

A final push after decades in politics

Atiku, who has contested multiple presidential elections across different political platforms, said his persistence is driven by what he sees as unfinished business.

The African Democratic Congress chieftain described his experience as a key strength in a country grappling with leadership challenges.

“I represent both the past and the future,” he said.

“We have seen various levels of leadership in the country, both young and old, and we’re experiencing them.”

Experience vs youth debate

Atiku argued that while younger leaders have taken up roles across Nigeria, expectations have not always been met.

“And I still believe that our expectations of the young leadership is below what we thought,” he said.

“They require experience and they require tutelage from the older generation.”

His comments come amid ongoing national debates about generational leadership and calls for younger politicians to take the reins.

Lessons from power

Atiku served as vice-president under Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007, a period he says shaped his political philosophy.

“There was a lot I learned,” he said.

“I don’t think I could have learned what I learned being vice president outside that system.”

Criticism of governance and leadership

Responding to criticism that he represents Nigeria’s entrenched political elite, Atiku said governance problems are systemic rather than generational.

“We have had so many young governors in a number of states who have failed woefully when it comes to governance challenges,” he said.

He added that weak leadership structures and lack of mentorship have contributed to governance deficits across the country.

Why it matters

Atiku’s statement could reshape political calculations ahead of the 2027 election.

As one of Nigeria’s most recognisable opposition figures, his decision to frame the race as a final bid may influence alliances, voter perception, and succession debates within opposition parties.

What’s next

Political analysts say attention will now turn to:

Coalition-building among opposition parties

The emergence of younger presidential aspirants

Voter sentiment on experience versus generational change

The 2027 election is expected to be a defining moment for Nigeria’s political direction.

The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a suspected fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom to face charges of murder and drug trafficking.

The handover, carried out on 14 April 2026 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, follows a years-long investigation into the suspect’s alleged crimes.

What the suspect is accused of

According to police, UK authorities had requested Adebiyi’s extradition in September 2024 over his alleged involvement in the murder of Joshua Boadu on 18 June 2018.

Investigators say he fled to Nigeria shortly after the incident.

He is also accused of supplying crack cocaine, classified as a Class-A drug, between October 2017 and March 2018 in the UK.

How the arrest and extradition happened

The suspect was arrested on 23 January 2025 by operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau Abuja.

Legal proceedings followed at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

On 16 February 2026, Justice A.O. Faji approved the extradition request under Nigeria’s Extradition Act.

Authorities then executed a surrender warrant, leading to Adebiyi’s transfer to UK law enforcement officials.

Police reaffirm global cooperation

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said the extradition highlights Nigeria’s commitment to international policing.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening international police cooperation and ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven for fugitives.”

Why it matters

The case underscores growing collaboration between Nigeria and international law enforcement agencies in tackling transnational crime.

Security analysts say such actions could improve Nigeria’s global reputation in crime prevention and justice enforcement.

It also sends a signal to suspects attempting to evade justice across borders.

Industry and public perspective

Criminal justice experts note that extradition cases often involve lengthy legal processes and diplomatic coordination.

Public reactions on social media have largely supported the move, with many calling for continued crackdowns on cross-border criminal networks.

What happens next

Adebiyi is expected to stand trial in the UK, where prosecutors will present evidence related to both the murder and drug trafficking allegations.

If convicted, he could face significant prison time under UK law.