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The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has challenged the elite to participate actively in growing democracy in the country, stating that standing aloof and not voting during elections does not help the democratic process.
Fagbemi, while delivering a lecture for the 39th Convocation of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, on Friday, also stressed the need to reform the nation’s education system to nurture democracy.
Speaking on the convocation lecture titled “Nurturing Democratic Values and Education for the Future of Nigeria,” the Senior Advocate of Nigeria stated that the elite in society, including university lecturers, are culpable for not voting for candidates or parties of their choice during elections.
According to him, they are the most vocal in criticising government policies and programmes after the government has come to power.
Fagbemi said, “It is the civic responsibility of the people to participate in the democratic process by voting during elections, and I charge the elite to examine themselves because you have no right to complain about government policies if you don’t vote during elections.”
The legal luminary, who underscored the need to reform the educational system to develop democracy, said, “There is an urgent need to reform the national education system to nurture democracy in society.”
“Nigeria’s educational system must be overhauled to instill democratic values of tolerance, respect for others, and the rule of law.”
According to him, Nigeria’s educational system must be overhauled to reorient citizens to understand that democracy is synonymous with engagement, transparency, and collaboration.
Fagbemi stated that education reform should focus on transforming the way the Nigerian people think through education, adding, “Success should be measured by our broad-mindedness and openness to all aspects of life—nature, society, history, truth, and, most importantly, to our fellow humans who work with us towards a common goal.”
“It is doubtful whether our current educational system can adequately address these tasks.”
The number one law officer stated, “The future of Nigeria requires strong democratic values nurtured through an inclusive, just, and equitable educational system. Education and democracy are mutually reinforcing.
“The task of overhauling the colonial-era curriculum to promote justice, equality, and freedom, and to create a more just and united society must begin at once.
“In short, the integration of democratic values into our educational system will not only enhance academic excellence and development but will also build transparent and accountable leaders, consolidate national unity, and thus make our country, Nigeria, more equitable, just, and progressive,” he said.
In his charge to the graduating students of the university, Fagbemi advised them to impact positively and not negatively on society.
“I implore you to use your knowledge and skills for the good of society, take initiative, think creatively, advance the social good, and eschew evil and all appearances of evil. You must be champions of democracy and advocates of a strong, peaceful, prosperous, and united Nigeria.
“Convocation itself marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. It is also a time to look back and reflect on the road ahead; when the graduates consider how they can use their newly gained knowledge and skills to contribute positively to society.
“As you embark on the next chapter in your lives, I urge you to serve with conscience and love for humanity. More than anything else, your education has equipped you to understand the complexities of society and that there are no definitive black-and-white answers. Always remember that your education is not just a personal accomplishment but a tool for societal influence.”
In his address, the UNILORIN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), stated that education plays a pivotal role in a democratic setting.
“No education, no nation. Citizens should be educated to be able to ask the right questions of their leaders. It promotes values of integrity and accountability, among others,” he added.
