Soludo Igbo marginalisation debate lecture as Anambra governor urges scholars to rethink secession claims and engage more in national policy discussions

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has urged Igbo intellectuals and academics to critically examine claims of marginalisation, questioning whether calls for secession are grounded in careful analysis or emotional rhetoric.

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Soludo Igbo marginalisation debate lecture came during his presentation at the 6th Biennial Adada Lecture organised by the Association of Nsukka Professors at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

The governor expressed concern over what he described as a decline in rigorous academic interrogation of national issues, arguing that universities are no longer playing their traditional role as centres of critical thought.

He noted that the intellectual community must take a more active role in shaping national discourse rather than allowing debates to be dominated by public sentiment.

Soludo referenced the historical significance of the institution, recalling that major political decisions linked to the Nigeria-Biafra conflict were associated with the university environment.

He criticised what he described as a growing disconnect between academic research and policy impact, warning that knowledge that does not influence governance has limited value.

According to him, Nigeria is currently overwhelmed by excessive commentary but lacks sufficient actionable insight to drive development.

The governor stressed that the future of the Igbo people lies within a united Nigeria and called on scholars to lead constructive engagement on national questions.

He urged academics to move beyond theoretical output and ensure their work contributes meaningfully to public policy and national development.

Soludo also challenged lecturers to prioritise impact over publication volume, warning that intellectual output without practical application is ineffective.

He referenced global historical figures to emphasise the importance of combining thought with action in shaping society.

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The lecture drew attention to ongoing debates about national unity, regional identity, and the role of academia in governance.