Professor Alapiki gave this recommendation while delivering the College of Management and Social Sciences 2nd Distinguished Lecture titled ‘The Poverty of Leadership and the Prospects of State Failure in Nigeria: Can the Nation Survive?’ on Thursday, 23rd May, 2013 at Okuku Campus of Osun State University.

In order to combat these myriads of problems, the eminent scholar who is a researcher and an administrator par excellence, recommended national conference as solution and urged the civil society and pro-democracy groups to wake from their slumber and play a more activist role to mobilise for positive changes.

He said: ‘They (civil society and pro-democracy groups) must unite their efforts and re-invent new strategies for popular mobilisation. Through this convergence of forces, Nigeria may begin to get good leaders who will replace the majority of the present rulers and charlatans who now occupy and choke up the leadership landscape.’

The guest lecturer, however, applauded positive leadership in some states of the federation: ‘This small group of leaders includes Governor Fashola of Lagos State; Godswill Akpabio of Akwa-Ibom State, Adams Oshiomole of Edo State; Governor Fayemi of Ekiti State; Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State and Governor Aregbesola of Osun State.’

Earlier in his welcome speech, the Provost of the College of Management and Social Sciences, Professor Temi Ologunorisa who represented the Vice-Chancellor at the occasion said the lecture was organised to challenge students to take up mantle of leadership because they are the leaders of tomorrow.

At the event were students, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments, from various Colleges of Osun State University and academic staff from Adeleke University, Ede.