Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on Nigeria to change how it selects political leaders.
He warned that the country cannot achieve meaningful development while religion, ethnicity and language influence leadership choices.
Jonathan spoke on Saturday, November 14, at the Herbert Macaulay Colloquium in Lagos. The event marked the 162nd anniversary of the Nigerian nationalist’s birth.
He urged Nigerians to prioritise competence and merit when choosing their leaders.
The former president also criticised practices that favour people based on religious or ethnic affiliations.
Jonathan cited an example from a state in southern Nigeria. He claimed that belonging to a particular Christian denomination could determine who qualifies to become governor.
“We are still suffering from political leaders being recruited based on religion, language and all kinds of things,” he said.
He added that Nigeria would continue to struggle until it abandoned what he described as primitive leadership selection methods.
Jonathan Lists Challenges Facing Nigeria
The former president identified several problems that continue to hinder national development.
They include poor leadership, weak institutions, corruption, inconsistent government policies, inadequate infrastructure and insecurity.
Jonathan also called for comprehensive reforms to Nigeria’s democratic system. He described the current structure as “opaque and amorphous”.
He said the country needs stronger public participation and greater respect for human rights.
He also highlighted the importance of the rule of law, judicial independence, accountability and a vibrant civil society.
Former President Urges Investment in Education
Jonathan also stressed the need to improve Nigeria’s education system.
He advocated functional learning and research-driven universities that can support technological growth and innovation.
The former president cited India, Singapore and South Korea as examples of countries that invested in quality education.
“You can’t go anywhere with weak educational institutions,” he said.
He urged Nigeria to invest in its brightest minds and establish world-class universities that can compete internationally.
Jonathan also paid tribute to Herbert Macaulay and other founding nationalists.
He said Nigeria could best honour their sacrifices by building a country that reflects the ideals they defended.
