By Idowu Adebomi
A leading Nigerian academic, Professor Ayodeji Oludare Omole, has asserted that activism and dissent remain essential pillars of university governance.
He warned that suppressing critical voices within higher institutions could weaken the culture of accountability and intellectual freedom inherent in Nigeria’s education system.
Professor Omole made these remarks while delivering the convocation lecture at the 30th Convocation Ceremony of Ekiti State University (EKSU) in Ado-Ekiti.
The scholar, who serves as the Pro-Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and Chairman of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria, argued that universities must preserve their tradition of intellectual debate and constructive resistance while simultaneously strengthening institutional governance.
In his lecture, titled “Power, Responsibility, and Stewardship: Balancing the Barricade with Governance,” Omole described the university as a unique institution built on the continuous search for truth and critical inquiry.
He explained that dissent, debate, and activism have historically shaped academic institutions worldwide and should not be misconstrued as mere hostility toward authorities.
According to Omole, protests and resistance by students and academic unions particularly the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have often served as vital instruments for reform and accountability.
He noted that the barricade represents a theater of activism where direct actions are taken to challenge the decisions of authorities, adding that the day we stop protesting is the day we become robots.
Omole further explained that power within the university system is not centralized but operates through a complex network of authorities.
Governance responsibilities are shared among the governing council, university management, and the senate, with the latter holding the highest academic authority.
He noted that effective decision-making typically requires negotiation and collaboration among these various actors.
Drawing on global history, Omole cited figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela as examples of how activism serves as a catalyst for social transformation.
He characterized activism as society’s alarm bell, designed to confront complacency and force institutions to reflect on issues of fairness, inclusion, and justice.
The academic acknowledged the natural tension between activists and administrators, noting that each group often views the other with suspicion.
Activists may see governance as a compromise bordering on betrayal, while administrators may view protests as reckless.
Omole argued that while both perspectives may hold elements of truth, they are incomplete when considered in isolation.
To ensure a sustainable governance model, Omole recommended greater administrative transparency, financial sustainability, and the protection of academic freedom.
He urged universities to move gradually from confrontational activism toward structured dialogue and institutional reforms.
He also observed that disagreements between governing councils and management teams are common, often driven by clashing oversight and operational functions.
In his concluding remarks, Omole stated that advocacy and activism should be viewed as complementary rather than opposing forces. Advocacy serves as the first step in resolving issues, while the barricade remains a last-resort mechanism to demand urgent attention when dialogue fails.
The Pro-Chancellor of EKSU, Professor Akin Oyebode, commended the lecturer for his insightful presentation.
Oyebode also used the occasion to raise concerns about the misuse of the academic title “Dr.” in Nigeria, stressing that the designation should be strictly reserved for individuals who have earned doctoral degrees through rigorous research.
He further lauded the National Universities Commission (NUC) for its regulatory efforts in addressing the misuse of honorary titles within the academic environment.