Akin Mabogunje in his student’s ink – Part 1

I bring to my readers’ attention today the words of gold and diamond combined in unusual ink manufactured by Professor Megbolugbe, PhD FRICS, Senior Advisor and Principal GIVA International, Illinois, USA. The retired Professor from Johns Hopkins University, a former student (of the late Professor Mabogunje), who currently resides in America, utters the words you are about to devour as a scintillating review that is more than a twinkling review of his late teacher’s – the late Professor Emeritus Akin Mabogunje’s – autobiography. (The late Professor Emeritus Akin Mabogunje passed on almost two years ago).

This sparkling review of a marvellous scholar of every marvellous scholar’s scholastic heart found me in circumstances that will always animate my poetic sensibilities. Now, dear readers, enjoy yourselves with delightful delights.

Introduction
READING Emeritus Professor Akin Mabogunje’s autobiography, almost two years after his passing, was a transcendent experience that embodied memories, reflections, and emotions.

The intersectionality of our connection our shared experiences, his mentorship, and our friendship – made it feel like an out-of-body experience, filled with a sense of wonder, gratitude, and blessedness. The confluence of our lives was a precious gift, and I rejoice in having known him, learned from him, and been impacted by his life and legacy. Nevertheless, the huge void left by his demise still reverberates, leaving a crippling sense of disorientation and disillusionment in its wake.

The intellectual and leadership vacuum created by his departure continues to be acutely felt, both in the industry and on a personal level. In tribute to his enduring legacy, I revisited his autobiography, which inspired this heartfelt Tribute. His absence remains a piercing reminder of the immense impact he had on our lives and the vast chasm he left behind.

His Vision
With the benefit of hindsight over a career of almost 50 years that labour on a variety of assignments at the state and federal levels about different aspects of the development of Nigeria, all he could report was that the country might be positioned to see what he has envisioned all his life, but not sure if the country would be able to realize it. Nevertheless, he was hopeful that it might eventually emerge. Only a sage of his caliber could frame his disappointment, heartbreak, and dismal picture of Nigeria as eloquently as he did in his autobiography.

The vision that remained emergent to Mabogunje is the same vision articulated more than five decades ago under the direction of his late colleague, Professor Ojetunji Abayode in the Second National Development Plan (1970-74): “i. A united, strong and self-reliant nation, ii. A great and dynamic economy , iii. A just and egalitarian society, iv. A land of bright and full opportunities for all citizens and v. A free and democratic society.”

Mabogunje acknowledged that the inability of the nation to realise the vision set for it has always been a feature of Nigerian polity secured by its political patron, UK and ingrained agency that has sustained what Mr. Harold Smith, an Oxford graduate, called “Northern domination” of Nigeria (see page. 654). In a sense, what Mabogunje said amounted to this: “The deck was stacked against me, and no matter how hard I try or how brilliant my ideas and programmes were, the system was rigged to ensure the Nation’s failure.”

Mabogunje argued that the corruption of purposes, people, performance and prosperity in Nigeria was predesigned and successfully implemented, consistently, to prevent the emergence of a developmental state and to ensure that the British could achieve its own exploitative goals and objectives. He offered three sets of evidence as proofs of his charges. First was the Biafran war. Second was the thirty years of military rule. Third was the emphasis on an ascriptive, rather than a universalistic criterion, for staffing and leadership positions in Nigeria.

Mabogunje’s attempt to end his autobiography on a hopeful note, perhaps caused him to choose a dialectical approach aimed at understanding the relationships and tensions between the perspectives he shared with many but pivoted to embrace aspirational visioning of the future trajectory and therefore the current mindset about the meaning of what has transpired in the Nation’s development over the past 50 years.

However, his narrative turned polemical. Instead of synthesising and integrating different viewpoints to arrive at a deeper understanding or a higher level of truth about the dilemma that the Nation’s development faced, he deployed rhetorical strategies to persuade or convince us of his aspirational perspective.

That being said, dialectics can sometimes be used as a means of engaging in polemics, and the line between the two can become blurred. However, in principle, dialectics is a more constructive and inclusive approach aimed at understanding and growth, rather than simply winning an argument.

Mabogunje surrendered ultimately to humility by referencing his limited impact to “fumbling;” perhaps he wanted to take responsibility rather than pass the buck.

But his humility belied his already brilliant analysis that amounted to the situation that he was, namely that “The odds arrayed against him were insurmountable, and the system’s features were intentionally crafted to hinder the Nation’s progress, regardless of his efforts, abilities or strategies.”

His leadership
Mabogunje’s vision of his leadership career is aligned to his strive for excellence and mastery in his field, recognising that skillful work would earn recognition. He aimed to make a significant impact, influencing leaders and decision-makers (symbolised by “standing before kings”). For example, Nigeria’s President Obasanjo (1999-2007) said as follows about Mabogunje: ‘I drew from his well of endowment’ and described him as ‘a man of uniquely analytical mind’ and ‘enlightened scholarship’, who deserves ‘a place of honour in the roll of outstanding scholars, administrators, and statesmen of our generation’.

He sought to build a reputation for excellence, rather than being obscure or unknown. He understood that his work ethic and competence would determine his level of influence and leadership. By associating his vision with Proverbs 22:29 (Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; He shall not stand before men), Mabogunje aspired to lead with excellence, integrity, and a strong work ethic, aiming to make a meaningful impact in his field and be recognised for his expertise.

He became an embodiment of servant leadership, a concept that is deeply rooted in the Holy Scriptures. Jesus taught that true greatness comes from serving others, not from seeking power or status (Matthew 20:25-28, Mark, 10:42-45).

The Bible encourages leaders to have a servant’s heart, humbly serving others and putting their needs first (Philippians 2:3-4, Galatians 5:13.) It portrays leadership as an act of service, not a means of gaining power or control (1 Peter 5:2-3, Matthew 23:11.) Servant leaders are called to humility and obedience, following Jesus’ example (Philippians 2:5-8, John 13:12-15).

The Scriptures use the metaphor of shepherding to describe leaders who care for and serve their flock (Psalm 23, John 10:11). These principles and examples from the Holy Scriptures form the foundation of servant leadership, emphasising humility, service, and putting others first are internalised by Mabogunje. No wonder he was so admired, respected and iconised.

To be continued

Afejuku can be reached via: 08055213059.