UNILAG's Adelaja Odukoya Calls for Africa's Development Shift

Professor Adelaja Odukoya, a Professor of Comparative Political Economy and Dean of Social Sciences at the University of Lagos, delivered a paper at the maiden edition of the Adeleke University Toyin Falola Annual Lecture in Ede, Osun State. He argued that wealth generation does not equate to development and called for Africa to build genuine political and productive capacity.

Odukoya stated that true development should be assessed by whether economic accumulation enhances local productive capabilities and technological capacity. He noted the contradictions in Africa's position within global capitalism, where the continent becomes more valuable to the world without gaining control over its resources.

Odukoya acknowledged the recent citizen protests across Africa but stressed that mere anger is insufficient for change. He urged for organized mobilization and highlighted the importance of universities, democratic institutions, and continental integration in transforming Africa's power dynamics.

He concluded by stating that developmental agency must be actively constructed rather than received as a gift.