Osita Chidoka Criticizes Universities And National Assembly For Embarrassing Nigeria

Osita Chidoka Criticizes Universities And National Assembly For Embarrassing Nigeria

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, has expressed deep concerns over the state of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions and the performance of the National Assembly, describing both as significant embarrassments to the country.

In a recent interview, Chidoka, also the Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, lamented the lack of transparency within Nigerian universities, which, according to him, are poorly managed and contribute to the country’s ongoing challenges. He pointed out that while universities in other African nations like Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa disclose key financial details such as funding from grants, research, and government allocations, Nigerian universities remain opaque about their financial operations. Chidoka criticized the absence of public accountability regarding government funding for education, with some universities receiving billions of naira annually without any clear records of how the funds are utilized….READ MORE….

He further emphasized the connection between this lack of transparency and broader systemic failures in Nigeria, arguing that this issue reflects a much deeper problem across various sectors. According to him, there is a dire need for a national emergency to address these systemic breakdowns, particularly concerning transparency in government dealings. He called for more oversight, especially regarding how federal institutions manage funds, to curb the opaque practices that have become widespread in Nigerian governance.

Chidoka also expressed his disappointment with the National Assembly, accusing it of failing to perform its core duty of representing the Nigerian people. He criticized the recent handling of important national issues, such as voting procedures, which he believes undermine the principles of democracy. Chidoka argued that the lack of individual voting in the National Assembly devalues its legitimacy and role in governance, as it deprives citizens of knowing where their representatives stand on crucial matters.

He concluded by stating that the National Assembly’s failure to adhere to its rules and principles has led to a loss of respect, not just for the institution itself but for Nigeria’s democratic processes as a whole. Chidoka believes that had the Assembly adhered to proper procedures, the president would have been able to reassert himself as a legitimate leader, and the public’s trust in both the president and the legislature could have been restored.