Soludo tasks academics on policy impact, African renaissance at Adada lecture

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has called on Nigerian academics to play a more active role in shaping public policy and driving national development, warning that intellectual work without practical impact risks becoming irrelevant.

The governor made the remarks while delivering a lecture titled “Our future in our past: Intellectualism and the making of an African renaissance” at the 6th Biennial Adada Lecture Series, organised by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Association of Nsukka Professors.

Addressing a large audience of scholars, Prof. Soludo said Nigeria’s prospects depend on what he described as a “fusion of thought and action”, arguing that ideas alone are not enough to bring about meaningful change.

He expressed concern over what he characterised as a growing disconnect between academic research and governance, noting that while universities continue to produce large volumes of scholarly work, relatively little of it translates into public policy.

Questioning the impact of intellectual communities, he challenged academics to extend their influence beyond the classroom. He argued that intellectual engagement must be tied to practical outcomes, saying scholarship without application risks losing its relevance in national life.

On the question of regional identity and national cohesion, the governor said the interests of the Igbo people are best pursued within a united and functional Nigeria, emphasising the need for inclusive development across the country.

Prof. Soludo also advocated what he described as “productive intellectualism”, where critical thinking is aligned with public service. Drawing on his experience in office, he said efforts have been made to incorporate research-based ideas into governance, including policies aimed at long-term economic transformation.

He argued that the success of nations is driven less by natural resources than by the strength of their ideas, citing figures such as Isaac Newton, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Kwame Nkrumah and Ahmadu Bello as examples of individuals whose ideas helped shape societies.

The governor urged academics to embrace multiple roles as both thinkers and practitioners, stressing the importance of questioning established norms and contributing actively to societal progress.

“Standing aside is no longer an option,” he said, calling for a renewed sense of responsibility among intellectuals to contribute to what he described as an African renaissance.

Earlier, economist Osita Ogbu, who chaired the event, said academic excellence should be measured not only by research output but by the ability to apply knowledge to real-world challenges.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Simon Ortuanya, described the occasion as a significant moment, welcoming the governor and praising his contributions to public service.

Prof. Soludo was also presented with an award of excellence by the organisers at the event.

Christian Aburime