Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), on Wednesday hosted its 80th Inaugural Lecture, a thought-provoking academic event that drew scholars, students, and dignitaries from across the state. The lecture, delivered by Professor Dick Ogburanwa Uduma, examined the theme “Interrogating the Centrality of Machtpolitik in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.”

‎Declaring the event open, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, praised ABSU for its enduring role in developing the high-level manpower that drives both state and national growth. He conveyed the warm felicitation of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, who he said remains committed to strengthening education, research, and institutional excellence as pillars of the New Abia agenda.

‎In his address, the Deputy Governor noted that the lecture’s theme is timely, as Nigeria continues to question the nature of political power; how it is acquired, wielded, contested, legitimized, and sometimes abused. He observed that while the Fourth Republic has recorded democratic gains, it has also witnessed tensions rooted in the misuse of power and institutional weaknesses.

‎ Emetu stressed that Machtpolitik, or power politics, offers an important framework for understanding Nigeria’s governance challenges. “The relationship between power and responsibility must remain anchored in transparency, accountability, and service to the people,” he said. “Where power is abused, democracy suffers; where institutions are strong, politics becomes a force for development.”

‎He reiterated that the Otti administration is committed to redefining Abia’s political culture by promoting openness, fairness, and people-centered governance. According to him, power must translate into visible improvements, better roads, stronger schools, revitalized health systems, improved security, increased investment, and renewed public confidence.

‎The Deputy Governor also emphasized the role of inaugural lectures in shaping both scholarship and governance. He congratulated Professor Uduma on reaching a major academic milestone, describing him as a scholar whose journey from NCE Distinction to global academic exposure, reflects discipline and intellectual excellence. He assured ABSU of the State Government’s continued support toward improving infrastructure, academic standards, and research capacity.

‎Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of ABSU, Professor Ndukwe Okeudo, said inaugural lectures provide professors with the platform to showcase their scholarly contributions. He expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for his sustained support, including the ongoing construction of a 5,000-bed hostel for male students, the donation of a high-capacity transformer to restore electricity on campus, and plans for a 10,000-megawatt solar power project for the university.

‎Delivering the inaugural lecture, Professor Uduma argued that politics is not inherently dirty, but has become tainted in Nigeria due to the conduct of many political actors. He observed that capable individuals often avoid politics because of its toxic environment, a situation he believes undermines democratic growth. He recommended a restructuring of the nation’s federal system to reflect true federal principles.

‎The event featured special presentations to the inaugural lecturer by various groups, alongside expressions of appreciation from the University’s leadership.

‎Alex Ejiogu
‎Infor. Officer
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