Prof. Kamal Bello, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has urged Nigerians to look beyond calls for restructuring and instead focus on behavioural and attitudinal change as the key to national development.
Speaking as the Lead Discussant at the Faculty’s first Dialogue Series over the weekend in Abuja, Prof. Bello said the dialogue, themed “Nigeria: To be Restructured or Not to be Restructured”, provided an opportunity to reflect on the deeper issues affecting the country.
He described restructuring as a complex process that needs to be clearly contextualised within the Nigerian experience.
“The word ‘restructuring’ is not new. What must come first is a proper understanding of the concentration of the country’s resources. Nigeria’s main problem is not structural but behavioural. Most of our challenges revolve around how to share the cake, not how to bake it,” he said.
According to Bello, true progress requires bridging the gap between the rich and poor, ending discrimination, and tackling issues like nepotism, corruption, and ethnic bias.
“It is our mindset that needs restructuring. If individuals change, the nation will follow. Teachers and lecturers must lead by example,” he added.
Prof. Hussaini Tukur of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, in his contribution, emphasized the need to consider legal frameworks before engaging in restructuring debates. “Understanding the purpose and legal entity of restructuring is critical, as it involves several constitutional guidelines,” he said.
The NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Isaac Butswat, praised the initiative, describing the topic as timely given the persistent national discourse on restructuring. He also commended the Faculty for drawing speakers from various institutions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed hope that the dialogue would offer valuable insights to guide Nigeria’s future direction.
