On Thursday, August 14, 2025, the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe, lamented Nigeria’s persistent challenges due to institutional neglect, policy somersaults, and poor implementation, speaking at the 27th convocation of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) in Lagos, as reported by Vanguard and The Sun. Achebe highlighted that these issues, first noted by former NUC Executive Secretary Professor Peter Okebukola 20 years ago, have worsened, stunting Nigeria’s human capacity development while other African nations advance in digital technology. With Nigeria’s literacy rate at 62% compared to South Africa’s 87% (UNESCO, 2024), Achebe stressed the need for robust policy execution to close the gap.
NAL President Professor Sola Akinrinade urged the Federal Government to foster synergy for national development, emphasizing the humanities’ role in guiding the digital revolution and ensuring technology aligns with African values. He listed Nigeria’s challenges, including underdevelopment, economic instability (34.2% inflation, NBS 2025), infrastructure deficits (24% of PHCs functional, NPHCDA 2024), and corruption (Nigeria ranked 145/180, Transparency International 2024). Akinrinade highlighted a declining value system marked by poor leadership, lack of patriotism, and eroding civic responsibility, calling for a Federal Executive Council-led Value Reorientation Programme. University of Lagos Vice Chancellor Professor Folasade Ogunsola echoed the call, urging NAL to promote a national culture celebrating positive actions to foster pride and greatness. X posts from @NALNigeria (August 14, 2025) amplified the call for ethical digital policies, while @Naija_Activist criticized government inaction, reflecting public frustration amid 38.9% poverty rates (NBS, 2024).
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