Who is Thinking for Nigeria?

Who is Thinking for Nigeria: One Nation’s Search for Intellectual Leadership

Intellectual leadership and critical thinking are essential for all aspects of national development. This is why Yaba School of Thought, YSoT, is hosting a global webinar to address the critical issue of thought leadership in Nigeria. Theme: “Who is Thinking for Nigeria?”

Nigeria faces a complex web of challenges that require thoughtful solutions. It is struggling with the impact of regional instability across West Africa, security threats, economic stagnation, corruption, and weakening institutions. Meanwhile, global pressures from trade wars, economic uncertainties, and climate commitments are putting additional strain on the nation's resources and development plans.

However, we believe that the greater problem is the huge "intellectual void" that is making these challenges worse. Not that Nigeria lacks astute thinkers; what it lacks is coordinated clear intellectual leadership in the boiler rooms of policy making, at nearly every level of government. This has created what experts call a critical vulnerability. Without strong thinkers guiding policy and development strategies, the country's leaders often operate without a clear philosophical framework or long-term vision.

This creates a dangerous disconnect between Nigeria's intellectual capacity and its executive and administrative power. The country has talented minds, but there is a broken bridge between these intellectuals and the leaders making important decisions. This gap means that complex national problems are not getting the rigorous, thoughtful analysis they need.

The webinar aims to ignite conversations about how Nigeria can harness and strengthen its intellectual infrastructure and develop the critical thinking capabilities needed for effective governance and sustainable development.

Join Dr. Richard O. Ikiebe as he dissects how historical leadership failures have silenced Nigeria’s brightest minds, and Professor Francis Egbokhare as he maps a path to reclaim the needed intellectualism for development. This is live triage for national strategy - a solutions-driven dialogue demanding accountability!