Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education, has emphasized the need for a change in the political culture in Africa, asserting that such a transformation is essential for propelling meaningful development across the continent.

She made these remarks during the matriculation ceremony for the 2023/2024 session of the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG) in Abuja on Friday.

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Ezekwesili pointed out that a prevalent political culture in Africa tends to prioritize narrow interests over the common good, and she stressed that altering this culture is imperative.

She noted that her motivation for establishing the school was to find solutions to the quality of politics and economic performance in Nigeria.

The former minister outlined the school’s purpose as rectifying the imbalances on the supply side of the political and democratic processes.

She expressed concerns about the prevalence of low-cost leadership in today’s politics, emphasizing that such leadership fails to yield positive outcomes.

Ezekwesili highlighted the role of young people and technology in advancing Africa but pointed out that politics and governance processes pose significant obstacles.

To address these challenges, she advocated for the development of a new pipeline to challenge the monopoly held by the existing political class with its dominant culture.

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She urged the students to recognize their role in effecting change, emphasizing that a critical mass of individuals with a service-oriented mindset is essential at all levels of government.

She stressed that the focus should not be on personal interests but on serving the country and its people, stating that the students represent a significant part of the solution to the continent’s problems.