Abia State University, Uturu, on Wednesday held the 80th Inaugural Lecture of the institution, delivered by Professor Dick Ogburanwa Uduma, a renowned political scientist. The lecture, titled “Interrogating the Centrality of Machtpolitik in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic,” attracted top government officials, academics, and members of the university community.
Declaring the event open on behalf of Governor Alex Otti, Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu described the lecture as a timely intervention in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. He praised Professor Uduma for interrogating the power dynamics shaping the Fourth Republic, stressing that responsible governance must be built on transparency, accountability, and people-centered leadership.
Engr. Emetu reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the growth of Abia State University, commending Professor Uduma for his academic excellence and service to society.
In his welcome remarks, Vice-Chancellor Professor Ndukwe Okeudo expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for his sustained support to the institution. He cited ongoing projects including the construction of a 5,000-bed hostel and the donation of a high-capacity transformer to enhance electricity supply as clear evidence of the governor’s dedication. He further noted the governor’s pledge to provide a 10,000-megawatt solar installation to boost power on campus.
Professor Okeudo commended Professor Uduma for attaining the pinnacle of academic excellence, noting that the inaugural lecture offered him a platform to showcase the depth of scholarship that earned him a professorial chair.
Delivering the lecture, Professor Uduma argued that politics in itself is neither evil nor dirty; rather, it is the conduct of political actors in Nigeria that has tainted the process. He decried the reluctance of credible individuals to participate in politics, warning that this continues to undermine governance outcomes. He recommended a comprehensive restructuring of Nigeria’s federal system to reflect true federal principles and strengthen national cohesion.
The event concluded with presentations of gifts and tokens of appreciation to Professor Uduma by the Vice-Chancellor and various groups, marking a celebratory end to a thought-provoking academic engagement.
