‘Our development index rated low by UN’

A former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekewsili, said the United Nations rated Nigeria low in its Human Development Index, saying that the lack of transparency, accountability and responsibility, were governance attributes that had robbed the nation of greatness.

Ezekwesili, who is a former Vice President of the World Bank, spoke at a public lecture organised by Dorcas Hope Alive Initiative at the University of Ibadan.

The former minister said, “Nigeria scored four out of 10 in the Human Development Index of the United Nations. It is so because Nigeria lacks transparency in the conduct of its government affairs. This is an important attribute in governance that promotes openness and eradicates corruption.

“I was one of the people that started Transparency International, which believes that with a transparent government, everybody is aware of the resources available for the country’s goals and how they are distributed. Nigeria also lacks responsibility among its citizens and accountability in governance. People must demand accountability from everyone they vote to govern them.”

Ezekwesili added that bad governance in Africa had created big challenge for its children, adding that despite an estimated 1.1 billion people, out of which Nigeria contributed 170 million, and the vast human and natural resources at its disposal, Africa had failed to achieve development.

She said, “Africa now has an estimated 1.1 billion people with Nigeria contributing about 170 million but some will continue to wonder that why Africa, being accountable for the 60 per cent of the world’s arable land and so much human and natural resources, has not achieved development. It is important to know what good governance means to an African child. More of the African children are faced with challenges rather than a better life because of bad governance.

“Without a democratic principle underpinning governance, you cannot have a good government. Good government should have sound policy, build strong institutions and invest in health, education and other basic needs of the people. After more than 50 years of self governance in Africa, only a few countries can boast of being middle income countries. South Africa and Botswana are in the brackets because of good governance.”

At the event were renowned educationist, Prof. Bolanle Awe; Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Political Matters, Gbade Ojo; and representative of Maj.-Gen. Oladayo Popoola (retd), Steven Akinola, among other dignitaries.

The theme of the lecture was “Good governance and the challenges of African child.”