By Group Two (MAC 201 – News Writing and Reporting)
“Nigerians must re-orientate individual values and habits not the structure, if we want to restructure Nigeria”. This was the assertion made by Prof. Etanibi Alemika who was the keynote speakers at a symposium organized by Sociology and Anthropology Students Association (NSASA), University of Jos.
The event which took place at the ASUU Secretariat, Naraguta Campus of the University of Jos, had speakers who took turn to talk on the topic “Restructuring Nigeria: Option and Caution.
Prof. Etanibi Alemika said for Nigeria to work, there must be a reorientation of individual values, habits and generality of life and not really the structures.
In the same vein, another speaker Prof. Sam Egwu said “Restructuring is about how our government elites run the government”, as it not the problem of Nigerians, but a fault of the government.
He emphasized that except the issue of governance is addressed, there will be no need for any call for restructuring adding that there is need to activate all the forces of governance, and also address these issues.
The Acting Director, Directorate of Alumni Relations, Samuel Manwsat thanked the guest speakers and the department for putting together an interesting and powerful symposium. He also urged the students to learn from the speakers who have a massive wealth of experience.
Furthermore, the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Ishmael Ogboru noted that the theme of the symposium is timely as issues in the society have necessitated this. He further urged the students to take advantage of this life transforming opportunity and learn from it.
On his own part, Steve Aluko of the Civil Societies Organisations said that corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of the nation and urged the students as well as members of the university community to start by refusing and rejecting corruption adding that Nigeria can only be a better place when we become patriotic.
Prof. Rotgok Gofwen who moderated the event stressed that students government is not about welcome specials but also about taking up the responsibility of restructuring our nation
The event which was the first of its kind had in attendance the Vice-Chancellor represented by Professor Theresa Madu (DVC Admin.), the Commissioner of Police, the D.G NIPSS Kuru, Director Plateau State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, Director Advancement Office, lecturers in the department, Non-Academic Staff, students and members of the University community.
