The Vice-Chancellor, Maranatha University, Professor Rufus Akinyele, has observed that Nigeria’s domestic challenges are limiting the influence of the country in international affairs.

Akinyele stated this  while reviewing a collection of essays in a compendium titled, ‘Governance Crises and Contradictions in Nigeria’s Relations,’  a festchrift in honour of the former Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Lagos, Professor Oladele Akinboye.

He stated that the various domestic challenges facing the country tend to undermine the country’s global positioning.

According to Akinyele, Nigeria once played the role of a “big brother” on the African continent, but has gradually lost that position due to internal challenges.

Reviewing the book, Akinyele noted that the exclusion of women from governance is largely a consequence of godfatherism and consensus candidacy.

“Out of the 91 people who were screened for the 24 federal constituencies, only about 12 were women, and at the end of the process, they were all edged out,” he said.

The guest lecturer, Prof. Alade Fawole, speaking on the lecture titled, ‘Nigeria–U.S. Relations in an Unstable World Order,” urged Nigerians to recognise that the country’s sovereignty is under threat and that her protection rests largely in the hands of her citizens.

Fawole cautioned against the persistent practice of attacking and discrediting the government, warning that such actions could have long-term consequences for the nation.

Speaking at the occasion, a third republic senator, Anthony Adefuye, congratulated Akinboye for retiring from active service without blemish.

Adefuye, an Akokite himself who studied Mechanical Engineering, commended succeeding leaderships of UNILAG for keeping the flag flying.

He said he is always proud of students of the university  for distinguishing themselves in society. He urged the current students to work hard.

The event was attended by the 12th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe; the representative of the Chief Book Presenter, Prof. Francis Ogunye; and a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Abiodun Orekoya.