The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has urged the Nigerian elite to play an active role in strengthening the country’s democracy by voting in elections. Speaking at the 39th Convocation Lecture of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, on Friday, Fagbemi emphasized that abstaining from the voting process weakens the democratic system.
Delivering his lecture titled “Nurturing Democratic Values and Education for the Future of Nigeria,” Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, pointed out that elites, including university lecturers, are often the most vocal critics of government policies, yet many do not vote during elections.
“It is the civic responsibility of the people to participate in the democratic process by voting during elections,” Fagbemi stated. “I charge the elite to examine themselves because you have no right to complain about government policies if you don’t vote during elections.”
Fagbemi also stressed the urgent need to reform Nigeria’s education system to cultivate democratic values. He argued that the current system is outdated and inadequate for preparing citizens to engage effectively in a democratic society.
“There is an urgent need to reform the national education system to nurture democracy in society,” he said. “Nigeria’s educational system must be overhauled to instill democratic values of tolerance, respect for others, and the rule of law.”
Fagbemi added that education must promote broad-mindedness and openness to various aspects of life, including nature, society, and truth. He emphasized that reorienting citizens through education would enhance engagement, transparency, and collaboration in a democratic context.
“The future of Nigeria requires strong democratic values nurtured through an inclusive, just, and equitable educational system. Education and democracy are mutually reinforcing,” he said.
Fagbemi further called for an overhaul of the colonial-era curriculum, highlighting that the integration of democratic values into the educational system would foster academic excellence, build accountable leaders, and strengthen national unity.
In his address to the graduating students, Fagbemi advised them to use their knowledge and skills for the good of society, urging them to champion democracy and contribute to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Nigeria.
“Convocation marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. As you embark on the next chapter in your lives, I urge you to serve with conscience and love for humanity,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), also underscored the importance of education in a democratic society. “No education, no nation. Citizens should be educated to ask the right questions of their leaders. Education promotes values of integrity and accountability,” he added.
