Prof. Adedimeji Delivers 19th Founder’s Day Lecture at Crescent University, Highlights Economic Reform Challenges, Opportunities
The Vice-Chancellor of the African School of Economics, Abuja, Professor Mahfouz Adedimeji, delivered the 19th Founder’s Day Lecture at Crescent University, Abeokuta, addressing key economic reform challenges in Nigeria.
Professor Adedimeji was warmly received by Prince Mohammad Ma’ruf Adesegun Ajibola, SAN, the Proprietor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Professor Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, the Vice-Chancellor; and Barr. Z. A. Ajibola, the Registrar. The event commenced with a welcome by Alhaji S. A. Aweda.
In his opening remarks, Adedimeji reminisced about his first visit to Crescent University on March 22, 2008, as part of a delegation led by Professor Is-haq Oloyede, CON, who delivered that year’s Founder’s Day Lecture.
He recalled how the event left a lasting impression on him, particularly the humorous exchanges between the late Judge Bola Ajibola, SAN, and Hon. Justice Bola Babalakin, JSC.
“I told them that the infectious conviviality of Judge Ajibola saying that KISS meant ‘Keep It Short, Stupid!’, among other things, and the electrifying mood of the day were etched on my psyche,” he said, noting that his youthful aspiration back then had become a reality with today’s lecture.
Adedimeji emphasized that the greatest lesson students could take from their education was embodied in the unparalleled legacy of the university’s founder, Judge Bola Ajibola, SAN, KBE, LLD, D. LITT, FCIArb, FNIALS, CFR. To reinforce this, he yielded the podium to a video clip of former Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who provided further insights into the life and values of the late legal luminary.
The lecture, titled “Deconstructing the Challenges of Nigeria’s Economic Reforms: Options and Opportunities,” examined the country’s economic reform trajectory—from the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) and National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS/SEEDS) to Vision 2020 and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).
Addressing recent policies such as the oil subsidy removal and financial sector restructuring, Adedimeji dissected their impacts while proposing strategic solutions. He also explored Islamic economic principles as potential frameworks for sustainable reform.
His thought-provoking analysis and recommendations sparked intellectual discourse among attendees, reinforcing Crescent University’s tradition of scholarly excellence.
The 19th Founder’s Day Lecture concluded with an engaging Q&A session, leaving students and faculty with valuable insights into Nigeria’s economic future and the enduring wisdom of the university’s late founder.
