Former President Goodluck Jonathan and renowned Kenyan lawyer and pan-Africanist Prof. PLO Lumumba have identified technological advancement, educational reform, and military strength as critical pillars for securing Nigeria's future and enhancing Africa's standing in the global order.

They spoke at the plenary session of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Yenagoa Branch Law Week held at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, Conference Hall in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, over the weekend. Jonathan called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria's colonial-era education system and increased investment in science, technology, and military capability, while Lumumba urged African nations to implement bold policies that would strengthen their economies, institutions, and strategic influence.

Speaking on the theme, “Securing the Future,” Jonathan lamented that Nigeria is still operating an education system inherited from the colonial era, insisting that the country must redesign its educational framework to meet contemporary realities. According to him, securing the future begins with deliberate investment in human capital development. “Before we secure the future, education must be properly planned. We need a robust restructuring of our educational system. We have not changed from the colonial education system that we inherited,” he said.

Jonathan drew comparisons with India's rise in global technology and business, noting that many of the world's leading corporations are headed by Indians because of deliberate investments made decades ago in education and manpower development. “Many of the richest companies in the world today have Indian chief executives. These things don't happen by chance. India planned early and prepared people who would eventually control strategic sectors of the global economy.”

Jonathan explained that when he was President, he introduced the Presidential Scholarship for Innovation and Development to develop critical disciplines in science and technology. “We identified the brightest minds, particularly first-class graduates, and sent them to some of the best universities in the world. We wanted to develop men and women capable of moving this country forward.”

Jonathan stressed that technological innovation and military capability are indispensable for national relevance in today's world. “I believed we needed to strengthen our military to ensure our security and that of our citizens. The military must be relevant to our times. Our current educational system cannot continue.”

Jonathan continued, “That's why I established the Presidential Scholarship for Innovation and Development. It was a step towards developing the kind of people we need for this country's progress.”

Lumumba, in his keynote address titled, “Securing the Future: Sustainable National Assets Protection in Africa: Opportunities, Risks and Regulatory Pathways,” argued that Africa will continue to be marginalized globally unless it develops the capacity to protect its interests and resources. According to him, strength is a major determinant of influence in international relations.

“If you're weak, nobody respects you. The reality of the world today is that survival belongs to the fittest. If Nigeria were to acquire a nuclear capability, as I encourage it to pursue, the country would be treated very differently. North Korea, Russia, and Israel are treated with respect because they possess significant military strength. When you're weak, you're consumed. Until Africa becomes strong, it will never be taken seriously.”

Lumumba said Africa's future lies in greater unity, stronger institutions, and harmonised legal and regulatory frameworks capable of protecting the continent's economic interests. “There's work to be done to secure our future, and that's where lawyers come in. Are the regulations in Nigeria harmonised with those of ECOWAS? Are they aligned with those of SADC and the East African Community? These are pressing issues that require urgent attention.”

Lumumba questioned Africa's dependence on foreign financial systems and currencies. “Why should money transfers within Africa depend on correspondent banks in Europe or America? Why can't Africa have a common currency? Twenty-seven countries in Europe use one currency. Can't Africa achieve a similar level of integration?”

Lumumba asked fundamental questions about the future of Africa. “Who protects our continental shelf? Who safeguards our Exclusive Economic Zones? Who mines our resources? Who manufactures our medicines, clothes, and technology?”

Key Facts:

  • Former President Goodluck Jonathan called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria's colonial-era education system during a speech at the Nigerian Bar Association Law Week.
  • Prof. PLO Lumumba urged African nations to invest in science, technology, and military capability to strengthen their economies, institutions, and strategic influence.
  • Jonathan introduced the Presidential Scholarship for Innovation and Development during his presidency.
  • Lumumba argued that Africa's future lies in greater unity, stronger institutions, and harmonised legal and regulatory frameworks.
  • He questioned Africa's dependence on foreign financial systems and currencies.