From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
A former university administrator, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has called for sweeping constitutional reforms to introduce the death penalty for corruption in Nigeria, arguing that extreme punishment is necessary to deter what he described as endemic graft undermining national development. Prof. Ogbo, Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, made the call on Wednesday while delivering the 37th Inaugural Lecture of the Federal University, Lokoja (FUL). He urged civil society organisations to champion constitutional amendments that would strengthen anti-corruption laws and impose stricter penalties on convicted offenders.
Speaking on the theme “Corruption Versus Corruption: Unpacking the Wuru-Wuru of Anti-Corruption Crusade in Nigeria,” Ogbo argued that several countries with low corruption perception indices retain capital punishment in their criminal justice systems, suggesting that severe sanctions could serve as a deterrent in Nigeria. He stressed the need for sustained pressure on the political class, particularly the executive and legislative arms of government, to demonstrate genuine commitment to combating corruption beyond rhetoric.
As part of institutional reforms, Prof. Ogbo proposed the establishment of dedicated Centres or Institutes for the Study of Corruption in Nigerian universities. He encouraged the Federal University, Lokoja, to take the lead, citing the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom as a model with its Centre for the Study of Corruption.“I propose the establishment of dedicated centres within our universities, given the scale and pervasiveness of corruption in Nigeria,” he said. “These centres can provide evidence-based research to inform policy and strengthen accountability.”
The academic also criticised what he described as the politicisation of the prerogative of mercy by successive administrations since 1999. According to him, the frequent granting of pardons to individuals convicted of corruption-related offences has weakened the credibility of Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight.“
Civil society organisations must spearhead a robust campaign against the abuse of the prerogative of mercy,” Ogbo said, noting that such practices have trivialised corruption cases and undermined the work of anti-graft agencies. He further observed a recurring pattern in which administrations pardon individuals convicted under previous governments, while shielding their own officials from accountability. This, he argued, has created a perception of selective justice.
Ogbo added that, unlike former state governors who are often prosecuted after leaving office, there is little evidence of former Nigerian presidents being held accountable for alleged misdeeds during their tenures. Highlighting the socio-economic impact of corruption, he referenced remarks by former UK Prime Minister David Cameron, who once described Nigeria as having a “fantastic relationship with corruption.” He linked entrenched corruption to widespread poverty, noting that Nigeria has been described as the poverty capital of Africa.
In his response, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, said inaugural lectures play a vital role in showcasing the intellectual contributions of academics and translating scholarship into policy-relevant insights. He emphasized that the fight against corruption should not be left to government alone, urging universities and academics to actively contribute to efforts aimed at curbing corrupt practices in Nigeria.
