Salisu Usman, a Political Science professor at Federal University Lokoja (FUL), has called for indigenous oath-taking and death penalty to curb corruption in Nigeria.
Delivering the 37th Inaugural Lecture on Thursday, titled ‘Corruption Versus Corruption: Unpacking the Wuru-Wuru of Anti-Corruption Crusade in Nigeria’, Usman blamed politicised anti-corruption agencies.
He said corruption persists partly due to abuse of plea bargains, which undermines accountability and allows powerful individuals to evade justice.
Usman emphasised corruption remains a major challenge, affecting governance, economic growth, and social development across Nigeria.
He advocated a multifaceted approach, including institutional reform, economic diversification, and the restoration of civic values to combat corruption effectively.
Usman, also Rector of Kogi Polytechnic Lokoja, argued that poor leadership and misplaced national priorities hinder Nigeria’s prosperity.
He proposed the death penalty for convicted corrupt officials, citing systemic reform and deterrence as key benefits.
He recommended establishing institutions to study corruption and incorporating indigenous oath-taking to foster personal accountability.
Usman lamented widespread poverty and inequality, highlighting that corruption and weak leadership exacerbate social and economic challenges.
He noted that despite Nigeria’s oil wealth, youths often resort to scavenging or crime to survive.
“The country’s infrastructure is crumbling, and insecurity reigns, with Boko Haram, banditry, and kidnapping plaguing the nation,” he said.
He stressed universities’ vital role in promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability among citizens and future leaders.
Usman urged leaders to lead with integrity, citing scriptures that advocate justice, fairness, and moral responsibility.
Earlier, Vice-Chancellor, FUL, Olayemi Akinwumi highlighted inaugural lectures’ importance in bridging academia and society.
The VC also called for promoting academic excellence and reaffirmed the university’s role as society’s conscience.
