Celebrating 60 Years of Creativity and Excellence at the Faculty of Art UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS (UNILAG)

Reclaiming Our Future: Why Nigeria’s Youth Need the Power of the Humanities

Reflecting on Dr. Labode Obanor’s Lecture at UNILAG’s 60th Faculty of Arts Anniversary

On Thursday, 23rd October 2025, the University of Lagos Faculty of Arts marked its 60th Anniversary with an illuminating public lecture delivered by Dr. Labode Obanor. His message, titled “From Knowledge to Justice: Reclaiming the Humanities in Africa’s Tech-Driven Future,” resonated deeply with everyone present—and even more so with the young people who stand at the center of Nigeria’s future.

Celebrating the Power Within Nigeria’s Youth

Dr. Obanor began with a truth we often overlook: Nigeria’s youth are overflowing with creativity, energy, and powerful ideas. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are innovators and dreamers who can shape the nation today. Yet, many of their gifts remain hidden, not because they lack ability, but because our systems rarely give them the space to express, explore, and grow.

When Education Forgets Humanity

A major theme of Dr. Obanor’s lecture was the imbalance in our education system. He highlighted how Nigeria often borrows heavily from Western models that emphasize mathematics, science, and technology—while the arts and humanities are pushed to the margins. This trend, he noted, is dangerous.

Why? Because a society that devalues creativity risks losing its conscience. A nation that sidelines the humanities also sidelines empathy, identity, ethics, storytelling, critical thinking, and cultural understanding.

Dr. Obanor stressed that Nigeria’s problem is not a shortage of engineers or scientists. Rather, it is the growing distance between us and our humanity. Our moral and cultural foundations have weakened, leaving a gap where compassion, unity, and accountability should stand.

A Call for a Moral and Cultural Renaissance

The consequences of this disconnect are evident. When leaders use ethnicity as a weapon instead of building national unity, it reflects how far we have drifted from shared values and collective responsibility. For Dr. Obanor, this is a clear sign that Nigeria urgently needs a moral awakening—one powered by the strengths of the humanities.

UNILAG’s Sacred Responsibility

Dr. Obanor made a passionate appeal to the University of Lagos Faculty of Arts: Become the spark that transforms Nigeria. He described UNILAG not merely as an institution but as a crucible of ideas and a sanctuary of creativity, uniquely positioned to guide the nation toward ethical leadership and cultural renewal.

He urged the faculty to raise graduates who do not just read and write, but who:

• Think critically

• Question harmful norms

• Challenge falsehoods

• Speak truth to power

• Stand for justice and fairness

In his vision, UNILAG’s Faculty of Arts can become the moral compass of the nation, shaping young minds that will lead with integrity, compassion, and courage.

Why the Humanities Matter Now More Than Ever

As technology reshapes the world, it is the humanities that remind us who we are and who we aspire to be. They help young people feel seen, valued, and capable of imagining new possibilities. By strengthening the arts and humanities in our schools and universities, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its youth—empowering them to build a future that is innovative, inclusive, and grounded in shared humanity.

A Future Rooted in Creativity and Conscience

Dr. Labode Obanor’s lecture was not just an academic address—it was a heartfelt call to action. It invited all of us to rethink what education should mean for the next generation and how we can build a Nigeria that honors both knowledge and justice.

For the youth of Nigeria, the message is clear: Your creativity matters. Your voice matters. Your humanity matter's for our higher institutions, the responsibility is even clearer: Nurture the arts. Protect the humanities. Empower the next generation.

Because the future of this nation will not be built by technology alone—it will be shaped by the hearts, minds, and stories of its people. After his topic there was an Alumni homecoming cocktail,

Dr Obanor, charged the Faculty of Art to lead the way & restore the soul of the nation.