Milestones of Development: A Doctor's Prescription For Nigeria. (2008 Convocation Lecture)
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2009
Authors
Femi-Pearse, D.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
UNILAG Press
Abstract
This convocation address titled “Milestones of Development: A Doctor’s Prescription for Nigeria” reflects on Nigeria’s economic progress using a medical and developmental metaphor grounded in the speaker’s personal and professional journey. Delivered by a retired Justice and medical doctor with decades of experience in academia, rural development, and hospitality, the lecture examines the nation’s developmental stagnation despite aspirations to join the ranks of developed economies. Drawing from childhood developmental milestones, the speaker compares the trajectories of Nigeria, Malaysia, and Singapore—nations that gained independence around the same period but have experienced divergent outcomes.
The address introduces a simplified but insightful developmental model consisting of three economic stages: extractive, industrial, and knowledge-based. Nigeria, according to the analysis, remains largely in the extractive phase—dependent on agriculture and natural resource exploitation, with weak infrastructure and limited inter-sectoral linkages. In contrast, successful nations have transitioned through industrialization into knowledge-driven economies by prioritizing education, scientific research, private sector growth, and global integration.
Using real-life observations from rural Nigeria and referencing global development literature (e.g., Sachs, 2004), the speaker critiques Nigeria’s wasted human potential and poor planning, especially regarding youth engagement and gender roles in economic activity. The lecture ultimately argues for a purposeful shift in Nigeria’s development strategy: investing in education, science, innovation, and institutions that enable inclusive growth.
Presented with humility and a non-economist’s perspective, this address nonetheless offers a compelling and practical framework for national transformation. It calls for visionary leadership and grassroots engagement to catalyze Nigeria’s leap toward sustained prosperity.
Description
Milestones of Development: A Doctor's Prescription For Nigeria Delivered By Professor Deji Femi-Pearse. Text Of The 2008 Convocation Lecture Delivered At University Main Auditorium, University Of Lagos, Akoka
Keywords
Citation
Femi-Pearse, D. (2009). Milestones of Development: A Doctor's Prescription For Nigeria. Text Of The 2008 Convocation Lecture Delivered At University Main Auditorium, University Of Lagos, Akoka, 18p.