Prof Christian Ezeibe has identified pervasive identity politics as an often negleted but the greatest obstacle to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria and other African countries
Ezeibe who is a Professor of Political Economy and Election Administration, Department of Political Science and Diplomacy UNN said this in Nsukka on Thursday 6th November 2025 while delivering UNN’s 230th Inaugural Lecture.
Titled “Political Economy of Identity: Opportunities and Threats for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”
He argued that ethnicity, religion, and region are not just social markers but primary economic and political forces that shape how power and resources are distributed in the country.
“To ignore the political economy of identity in our pursuit of SDGs can be likened to navigating a complex labyrinth with an incomplete map,” he said.
Ezeibe who is the Dean of Student Affairs, UNN, disclosed that the lecture reflected his 15 years of empirical research (2009-2024) with his collaborators and noted that there is a direct link between divisive identity politics and failures in governance, security, and economic development.
The UNN 230th inaugural lecturer described identity as a “double-edged sword.” According to him “while it can be weaponized by elites to foster exclusion and conflict, it also holds the potential to be a powerful tool for social cohesion and community-led development, if properly harnessed.”
Criticizing past development models, the professor said, “Past development models are too homogenizing, imposing a one-size-fits-all approach that fails to account for Nigeria’s rich tapestry of local knowledge and cultural practice.”
The don explained that a nuanced understanding of identity could lead to smarter, more culturally attuned, and sustainable interventions.
The academic presentation was grounded in stark realities from recent Nigerian history as the lecturer cited specific studies to illustrate how identity-based exclusion directly threatens development.
“I propose a concrete, two-pronged framework for action to transform identity from a source of conflict into a foundation for collective strength.
“One is neutering the divisive power; which involves dismantling the structures that enabled identity-based repression, with key recommendations which include
judicial reform in order to strengthen the judiciary to ensure swift accountability for state violence and human rights abuses.
Security sector reform to ensure mandatory and continuous human rights training for security forces to change institutional culture from repression to protection. Enforcing laws against hate speech, especially the Cybercrime Act of 2025, ensuring they are not used to silence political opposition or restrict free speech.
“The others are harnessing the cohesive power; which requires actively engaging identity groups as partners in development.
Inclusive governance that will formalize equitable power-sharing and resource distribution.
Mechanisms to reduce the winner-take-all nature of politics, as well as leveraging on local networks to empower credible local leaders, religious institutions, and community elders to lead awareness campaigns and peace building initiatives,” he said.
Ezeibe concluded that the future of a sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria depends on the collective ability of citizens to build a nation where diverse identities are not a source of conflict but a foundation for collective strength and inclusive progress.
In a remark, Prof Simon Ortuanya, Vice Chancellor, UNN, represented by Prof Kamoru Usman, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, said that the university’s inaugural lecture is an opportunity for professors to officially present their research and scholarly achievements to the university community and the general public
The VC while commending Prof Ezeibe for his detailed lecture presentation, described him as an erudite and intellectual giant who has contributed immensely in the field of Political Economy and Election Administration as well as to humanity.
Our correspondent reports that the 230th UNN inaugural lecture by Prof Christian Ezeibe was
intellectually rich, thought-provoking, and was punctuated intermittently with cheers and applause by the audience.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of a certificate of Inaugural Lecture to Prof Ezeibe as the 230th Inaugural Lecturer of UNN.
Our correspondent also reports that the inaugural lecture was well attended by staff and students of UNN, representative of Enugu, Anambra and Kogi State Governments, traditional rulers, the clergy,
Head of academic institutions outside Enugu State, past UNN Vice-chancellors, captains of industry, as well as dignitaries from different walks of life.