By Amaechi Agbo

Scholars, government officials, policy experts, and members of the university community gathered on Thursday at the Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Multi-purpose Auditorium, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), as Professor Frederick Odo Eze delivered the institution’s landmark 60th Inaugural Lecture.

​Speaking on the theme, “Beyond the Autonomy Question, Local Government Resource Allocation and Utilisation in Nigeria: Changing the Narrative,” the distinguished Professor of Public Administration urged stakeholders to look past mere administrative independence and focus on effective resource allocation, prudent financial management, and service delivery at the grassroots level.

​Addressing an audience that included top university management, policymakers, traditional rulers and students, Prof. Eze – popularly known as Chief Odarije – emphasized that while local government autonomy remains a vital constitutional conversation, operational efficiency and accountability are what truly impact the daily lives of citizens.

​”Autonomy without fiscal responsibility and structural efficiency will not translate to better livelihoods for our people. We must move beyond arguing over administrative boundaries and start changing the narrative around how resources are managed, allocated, and deployed to build a healthier, more resilient populace.” Prof Eze said.

​During his presentation, Prof. Eze outlined critical policy recommendations aimed at revitalizing local administration across Nigeria which include: prioritizing direct funding for essential public services, primary healthcare, and rural infrastructure; establishing transparent oversight mechanisms to ensure funds allocated to local governments directly benefit community development and enhancing the managerial competence of local government administrative officers to eliminate waste and optimize resource utilization.

Declaring open the 60th Inaugural Lecture at the Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Multi-purpose Auditorium earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of ESUT, POF Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, welcomed dignitaries, government officials, scholars, and students to what he described as a momentous academic celebration.

​The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the significance of the 60th edition of the lecture series and lauded Professor Frederick Odo Eze for his sustained contributions to public administration and governance studies in Nigeria.

​”Today marks a historic milestone in the academic calendar of Enugu State University of Science and Technology. Reaching our 60th Inaugural Lecture is a testament to ESUT’s unwavering commitment to intellectual rigour, research excellence, and national development.”— The Vice-Chancellor stated

​Focusing on the relevance of the day’s theme, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized the university’s duty to provide actionable solutions to pressing societal challenges.

​”Inaugural lectures are not merely academic rituals; they are the platform where our finest minds share groundbreaking research to shape public policy. As Nigeria continues to grapple with governance and local administration, Chief Odarije’s lecture today offers timely, practical insights that policymakers cannot afford to ignore.”