Introduction
The writing of this article is motivated by the tragic death of Professor Roko which underscores the dire state of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the systemic neglect faced by academics. And also by the uncritical responses to his death by some Anti-Intellectual Forces.
After over two decades of dedicated service, Professor Roko required ₦13 million for medical treatment abroad—a sum he could not amass. Despite efforts by students and colleagues to raise funds, he was left bedridden and helpless, ultimately succumbing to his illness. This incident is emblematic of a broader crisis where educators, who are instrumental in shaping the nation’s future, are treated with disregard and left to fend for themselves in times of need.
The situation reflects a pattern of governmental neglect, where resources are allocated to political elites while essential sectors like education and healthcare suffer. Reports indicate that many lecturers have gone months without salaries, leading to increased cases of depression, illness, and death among academics. The government’s failure to provide adequate support and infrastructure not only jeopardizes the well-being of educators but also threatens the quality of education and the nation’s intellectual capital. Professor Roko’s death serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need for systemic reforms to prioritize the welfare of those who contribute significantly to national development.
In the quest to enhance the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has historically enlisted the expertise of academicians, particularly university professors, as Returning Officers. This initiative, rooted in the belief that academics embody integrity and impartiality, has been both lauded and criticized. While some instances of misconduct have emerged, it’s imperative to assess the broader context and recognize the invaluable contributions of the academic community to Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The Rationale Behind Engaging Academics
The decision to involve academics in electoral processes was significantly influenced by Professor Attahiru Jega, former INEC Chairman, who, in 2015, expanded the practice of deploying university academics as election officials. Jega believed that academics, given their training and commitment to ethical standards, would be less susceptible to inducements and would uphold the sanctity of the electoral process. Under this arrangement, vice-chancellors functioned as Returning Officers at federal and state levels, while lecturers and other academics played roles at the local government level.
Isolated Incidents vs. Collective Integrity
Admittedly, there have been instances where academics were implicated in electoral malpractices. Notably, Professors Peter Ogban and Ignatius Uduk faced legal consequences for their roles in manipulating election results in Akwa Ibom State during the 2019 general elections.
However, these cases are exceptions rather than the norm. The vast majority of academics involved in electoral duties have conducted themselves with professionalism and integrity. It’s essential to avoid generalizations that tarnish the entire academic community based on the actions of a few.
The Broader Electoral Landscape
Electoral malpractices in Nigeria are systemic issues that transcend individual roles. Manipulations often occur at polling units and ward collation centers, where votes are cast, counted, and initial results are recorded. By the time results reach the Returning Officers, any manipulations may have already been embedded in the data, leaving little room for detection or correction. Therefore, attributing the entirety of electoral fraud to academics overlooks the complexities of the electoral process.
The Role of Academics in Strengthening Democracy
Beyond their involvement in elections, academics play a pivotal role in nurturing democratic values. Through teaching, research, and community service, they foster critical thinking, civic responsibility, and informed citizenry. Tertiary institutions have been instrumental in providing voter education, conducting research on electoral matters, and offering policy recommendations to enhance the electoral process.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While the involvement of academics in electoral processes has its merits, it’s not without challenges. The pressures of the political environment, coupled with systemic issues like inadequate funding and political interference, can compromise the effectiveness of even the most well-intentioned individuals. To address these challenges:
Strengthening Institutional Oversight: INEC must implement stringent vetting processes for Returning Officers and establish clear accountability mechanisms to deter misconduct.
Promoting Academic Integrity: Universities should reinforce ethical standards and provide training for staff participating in national assignments, emphasizing the importance of impartiality and civic duty.
Encouraging Intellectual Engagement in Politics: Political parties should actively seek the involvement of scholars in policy formulation and decision-making processes, valuing their expertise and perspectives.
Public Accountability: Civil society and the media must continue to spotlight instances of malpractice, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable and that systemic issues are addressed.
Conclusion
The participation of Nigerian academicians in the electoral process stems from a desire to uphold integrity and credibility in elections. While isolated incidents of misconduct have occurred, it’s unjust to generalize these actions to the entire academic community. Recognizing the broader systemic challenges and the multifaceted roles academics play in strengthening democracy is crucial. By addressing systemic issues and reinforcing ethical standards, Nigeria can harness the full potential of its academic community in building a robust and credible electoral system.
Toba Alabi is a Professor of Political Science, Defence and Security Studies (08036787582).
