By Victoria Okpanachi
A distinguished scholar of Public Administration, Professor Otinche Sunday, has called on Nigerians to embrace tolerance and support institutional reforms as critical steps towards strengthening nation-building.
He made the call recently while delivering the 42nd Inaugural Lecture of the Federal University Lokoja, with the topic: The Looking Glass Self Perspective of How Never to Build a Nation in the New World Order: Reflections on Nation-Building Experiments in Nigeria.
Drawing on the Looking Glass Self theory, Prof. Otinche explained that individuals and societies often shape their identities based on how they believe others perceive them, noting that such perceptions significantly influence trust, civic behaviour and national cohesion.
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According to him, one of Nigeria’s greatest challenges is the persistent mistrust among its diverse ethnic, religious and social groups.
The Don observed that prejudices, stereotypes and negative perceptions continue to weaken efforts at national integration and collective development.
He warned that intolerance and divisive tendencies remain major obstacles to national progress, urging leaders and citizens alike to eliminate practices that undermine geopolitical tolerance and social harmony.
Expressing concern over the growing wave of insecurity in Nigeria, Africa and across the world, the professor described the trend as evidence of a gradual erosion of humanity and shared values.
Prof. Otinche further maintained that Nigeria’s diversity should be viewed as a source of strength rather than division, while urging Nigerians to focus on identifying and addressing the weaknesses within the country’s diversity in order to prevent disintegration and promote sustainable nationhood.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, Professor Gbenga Ibeleye, described inaugural lectures as important platforms for intellectual engagement and national discourse.
He commended Prof. Otinche’s scholarly contributions and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing research in governance, democracy, leadership and nation-building.
