The Registrar of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State, Mr Dapo Oke, has called for deeper involvement of academia in politics in the country.
Oke said intellectuals cannot continue to stay away from partisan politics and engage in blame games when they possess sufficient knowledge and data that could be deployed to address some of the country’s fundamental challenges.
The registrar stated that members of academia across the country should embrace active politics and use the knowledge acquired over the years to enhance governance and foster equity, fairness, and justice.
Oke made the call in Abeokuta on Friday while delivering a keynote address at the inauguration of a political support group, Ogun State Tertiary Intellects for President Bola Tinubu and Senator Solomon Adeola.
The support group comprises about 2,000 tertiary institution workers across the state, including lecturers, who are drumming support for the governorship ambition of Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as well as the second-term re-election bid of Tinubu.
He said, “Why should intellectuals not be involved in governance? For how much longer will we allow others to assume leadership roles while excluding the most brilliant minds in academia? This underscores the need for us to be deeply engaged in politics.
“You have always played a vital role in shaping the intellectual and developmental trajectory of our nation. Academia has always been the conscience of society, the engine of innovation, and the guardian of truth. It is within our universities, institutions, and scholarly circles that ideas are formed.
“One of the best things that can happen to our nation today is to have intellectuals—people who are knowledgeable and learned—be involved in politics.
“It will make things easier because these are people who are highly principled. They understand where we are coming from, what went wrong in the past, and how we can move forward.
“We cannot continue to sit back and engage in blame games when we can do far better, given our exposure, training, knowledge acquired through research, and community engagement. Intellectuals must be ready to add value to our political space as technocrats.”
Oke described Adeola, a chartered accountant, as a quintessential professional and technocrat who has used his expertise in financial management to promote good governance at both state and federal levels.
He lauded the intellectuals for supporting Adeola and Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, describing their decision as visionary and necessary for advancing both the state and the country.
He noted that the three years of democratic governance under Tinubu have witnessed reforms and initiatives aimed at strengthening education, expanding infrastructure, and fostering national development.
“These efforts have laid an enduring foundation, but the true test of progress lies not in beginnings but in continuity. Long-term projects in infrastructure, education, and technology require sustained leadership to reach maturity.
“For the academic community, continuity means stability in funding, consistency in policy, and assurance that reforms will not be abandoned midway. It means research grants will grow, university autonomy will be respected, and Nigerian scholars will be empowered to compete globally.
“It also means that innovation hubs emerging across the country will become lasting institutions that drive economic growth and social transformation.
“Your support, therefore, is not merely political; it is intellectual. It reflects the understanding that the pursuit of knowledge thrives best in a stable environment. By supporting continuity, you help ensure that Nigeria’s academic institutions remain strong pillars of national development. Education is not a short-term project but a generational commitment,” he added.
Also speaking, Prof. Anthony Oyenuga of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun, said tertiary institution workers resolved to support Adeola’s governorship ambition and President Tinubu’s re-election.
Oyenuga said, “Our decision to support Senator Adeola is based on his genuine and selfless leadership. We have seen his performance in less than three years.
“He understands the realities on the ground and is determined to improve governance and accountability in the state.
“We will mobilise for his victory at the polls, alongside that of President Bola Tinubu, who has demonstrated commitment to restoring the country to the path of greatness.”
