Vice-Chancellor of African School of Economics (The Pan-African University of Excellence), Abuja , Prof.Mahfouz Adedimeji has stressed the need for the ongoing economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration to focus on providing enough incentives to private sector seen as engine room of economic growth, through policies that encourage investment, Innovation and productivity
The Professor of Applied English and Peace Linguistics who made the call over the weekend in Abeokuta,the Ogun State capital while delivering the 19th Founder's Day Lecture of Crescent University titled "Deconstructing The Challenges Of Nigeria's Economic Reforms: Options and Opportunities", also tasked Civil Society Organizations to always hold policymakers accountable, by advocating for people-centred economic policies that prioritize job creation, social security and equitable wealth distribution
He maintained that resilience and a long-term vision were fundamental to Nigeria's economic recovery, saying "sustainable reforms require consistency in policy implementation, irrespective of political transition
Short-term, populist approaches according to him, must give way to policies priotising long-term economic stability and social welfare
"Religious and cultural institutions must complement government efforts by fostering ethical business practices, financial prudence and community -driven economic empowerment. Economic sustainability is a shared responsibility that requires genuine collaboration across all levels of society", he stated
The don in his lecture in his recommendations, urged the Tinubu's administration to be steadfast in implementing economic policies by resisting the temptation of short-lived economic measures that prioritize temporary political gains over substantive and lasting economic transformation
He stressed the need for institutional reforms which according to him, are necessary to reduce corruption, enhance transparency and strengthen economic governance
Prof. Adedimeji insisted that government's policies must focus on reducing inequality by providing opportunities for all citizens, particularly the youth, women and vulnerable groups
"Investment in education and vocational training is crucial for building a skilled workforce to compete in the global economy.Similarly , infrastructure development in rural and underserved areas must be prioritized to bridge economic disparities and create employment opportunities nationwide", he urged
"Nigerians must ensure that the Islamic economic principles that emphasize financial justice, risk-sharing and responsible investment are integrated into Nigeria's economic framework to promote inclusive growth. Interest-free financial model , wealth redistribution through zakat and ethical business conduct that Islam provides offer viable alternatives to conventional economic paradigm that often exacerbate inequality and financial instability " , he submitt
Proprietor and Chairman Board of Trustees of Crescent University, Prince Muhammed Ma'ruf Adesegun Ajibola (SAN) in his remark at the event, lauded the guest lecturer for his well researched presentation, promising to ensure proper documentation of the paper in the school library for academic purpose and interest of students in the Department of Economics
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila in his welcome speech, was full of appreciation for the vision of late founder of Crescent University, particularly his commitment to establishment of the university in 2005 to provide opportunities for girl-child to have equal access to quality university education across Nigeria
He added that the university had achieved such vision of the late Prince Bola Ajibola, recording more admission of female students than the male in various academic programmes in the institution
The Vice-Chancellor expressed with delight, the 100 percent re-accreditation of all academic programmes in the Institution, back to back for the past 10 years by the National Universities Commission
High point of the event was the presentation of Bola Ajibola Community Services Meritorious Award to three distinguished Nigerians including a Posthumous Award for Late Towulade of Akinwale Owu Kingdom,Oba(Dr.) Olufemi Adewunmi Ogunleye for promotion of of traditional heritage and professional excellence
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