Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the recently concluded general elections, and Kayode Fayemi, the former governor of Ekiti State, have both agreed to become visiting lecturers at the Western Delta University (WDU), Oghara, Delta State.
The commitment was made at the 15th Founders' Day lecture over the weekend. During the lecture, Fayemi gave a speech on "Sub-National Governance: The Ekiti State Example" and promised to establish the School of Policy Implementation at the institution, as well as become the first lecturer once it is completed.
Chief James Ibori, a visitor to the University, asked Obi to join Fayemi as a lecturer upon the completion of the policy school. Obi agreed to help establish it and become a visiting professor.
Lessons from Ekiti State
Fayemi cited examples from his time as Ekiti State governor and urged political office holders to ensure balance when making appointments, avoiding the selection of those who will become liabilities to the government.
He stated that all political appointees must be strongly connected to their communities, regardless of whether they are technocrats or core politicians.
Beyond Partisanship
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, called on political office holders to look beyond political partisanship, tribal affiliations, and religious inclinations in their efforts to contribute to societal development.
Despite belonging to different political parties, Obi, Ibori, and Fayemi came together to celebrate their shared love for education and its impact on national development.