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Psychology, Panacea for National Restructuring – Dr. Akintola, Head Psychology Dept., UNILAG

Published

8 years ago

September 22, 2018

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

She is among the very few who are at home wherever you meet them as regards their discipline. Her name is Dr. Esther Akintola, the Head, Department of Psychology, University of Lagos. In this brief chat, she explains the intricacies of psychology as a course of study as well as what it takes to bring up God fearing children worthy of leading the nation to the next level. Excerpts:

Can we meet you?

My name is Esther Foluke Akinsola, an Associate professor of Psychology and Acting Head of Psychology Department, University of Lagos.

Apart from psychology, what else is Dr. Akinsola known for?

Well, I am a Consultant developmental and Clinical psychologist and I do research and teachings in clinical and psychological matters. I have also addressed many family problems. These were families that were engrossed in challenges resulting from breakdown in adolescent communication. Often times, we do not tend to understand adolescents and where they are coming from and same with the adolescents, they do not understand their parents so it creates a problem. They want freedom, they desire freedom.

Want or deserve freedom?

No, not deserve. They want unreserved freedom but they do not want to take responsibilities for the actions they take. This is called psychological trauma and it is responsible for creating a gap in family communication.

So, what is being done to bridge this gap?

Friendship breeds communication and this is where most parents loose it. Majority or parents are not friends to their children and there is no way these adolescents would open up to you if friendship has not been established. And this is the kind of strategy I am bringing on board that you begin talking to your children even from the womb. It will flow naturally so as they grow up it doesn’t seem like a hard thing because you have cultivated the habit. They do not want orders or dictation and this is what parents are prone to do at that point.

These adolescents do a lot of thinking and the only panacea to the gap between them and their parent is communication.

How long have you been in the field of psychology that has made you so vast in it?

I started lecturing in psychology in 1981 in the University of Lagos. I graduated in 1976 with a Second Class Upper division. I was doing a lot of things together at that time. I got married as a student in 1974, graduated in 1976, just 3 weeks after I gave birth to my first child, so I was a mother, a wife and a student. To be candid, I never wanted to be a teacher but I think as destiny would have it, that is what I am. I did my A levels and you know then A levels were done in December and when I finished my A levels the first job I got was teaching.

How would you say psychology has impacted on the socioeconomic growth of the country?

Psychology is the study of human beings, the study of human behavior and as long as there are people in the society there is a need for psychology and since it is humans who control these sectors, psychology is important. So, psychology is important because it pays a huge role in policy making and development. I heard someone once say that there is no way the minimum wage given at #18,000 will stop corruption and you expect people not to steal.

So, policies must have a humane approach to them and even then you can make the work interesting for whoever is doing it. These are some of the things psychology seeks to teach.

Psychology also teaches financial management and stability which is key to any country’s growth.

Are you saying in essence that psychology is what the country needs?

Yes! Yes! Psychology of financial and human resources! I heard that family members of fighters against Boko Haram are given stipends when they die in sharp contrast to the members of Boko Haram who are paid millions. Some psychologists would even posit that it is beneficial to be a Boko Haram member than a soldier. I also heard that there are some places in the Niger area where they have not seen government presence and this Boko Haram comes along offering them food and money, you think if one was there, one wouldn’t be tempted to join the sect?

What advice do you have for many young people who are still indecisive on what course to study?

I have advice for them and their parents. The parents must let the children choose their career path. Gone are the days when parents decide for their children, saying my child must be a lawyer. The child should be motivated to follow his passion and support must come from the parents.

As for the children, discover early enough what you want to do. Just recently, a student came to me and said he wants to drop psychology and study Creative Arts, that this is where his passion is, and he is in his 300 level. I instructed him to at least finish the psychology first before thinking of changing. After all, these are the days that one can own more than one certificate.

Also, as much as parents enjoin their children to pursue their interests, they must keep close tab on them. The children must know that interest doesn’t mean friendship or peer group. It should not be because my friend is going to the sciences, I must follow him when in the real sense your strength is in the arts.

About two years ago, this department produced a straight 5.0 First class graduate. Is that the first time?

Yes and the first in the whole school.

So, what are you doing to maintain this feat?

I think it is more dependent on the student. The young man who had a 5.0 took a course of mine in his 200 level and I did not know him, at least not until his 5.0 feat. What I am saying is that I am sure the young man made up his mind when he entered the University to be studious and serious. In essence, it is dependent on the students. The lecturers are dedicated and committed to their success.

Is that why you retained the young man?

Yes, we want him to serve as an inspiration to others. He is still young and he understands the young people more than we can ever do.

On a final note, can you advice our parents?

Okay! There is something called positive child rearing and it should be the attitude every parent shows their children. Rather than say, you stupid child, look at what you have done you can say, look at the stupid thing you have done. In that sense, you have not condemned the actor and the action, just the action alone.

Again, as positive parenting goes, you cannot be smoking or drinking and you are telling your child not to. You must be a role model to him or her. We must all strive to become that kind of parent.

Thank you very much for your time.

Thank you.

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El-Rufai to Remain in ICPC Custody Till June

Published

1 day ago

April 21, 2026

Eric

Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court has adjourned the bail hearing of former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to the first week of June, 2026.

El-Rufai is being arraigned on multiple charges bordering on alleged financial crime and abuse of office by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

“Similarly, another charge, number KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, against Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i and one Amadu Sule (LEDA) has also been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division,” the ICPC said last month.

“The charges in the State High Court case range from abuse of office, fraud, and intent to commit fraud to conferring undue advantage, among others. Both charges were filed by the ICPC on the 18th of March, 2026.”

Speaking after the court session, counsel to the former governor, Ukpon Akpan, kicked against the lingering adjournment of the bail hearing by one presiding judge as politically motivated.

The high-profile case has drawn significant public attention, with heightened security presence observed around the court premises.

The former governor had arrived at the court at about 9 am in a convoy accompanied by ICPC officials and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

During the proceedings, supporters of the former governor gathered outside the courtroom, while security agencies maintained order and restricted movement within the vicinity.

Inside the courtroom, journalists, as usual, were not allowed, as proceedings are expected to focus on arguments presented by both the defence and prosecution regarding the bail request.

At the last sitting, the defence team had maintained that their client poses no flight risk and is willing to comply with all conditions set by the court.

Meanwhile, the prosecution has urged the court to carefully consider the gravity of the charges.

The 66-year-old former governor of Kaduna has been in ICPC custody since February 19 following his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

El-Rufai, a former minister of the FCT, was, however, released on March 27 based on compassionate grounds following his mother’s death.

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Timi Frank Petitions US, Demands Gbajabiamila’s Resignation over ‘Anti-Democratic’ Remarks

Published

1 day ago

April 21, 2026

Eric

Political activist, Comrade Timi Frank, has called on the United States government to investigate and sanction the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over alleged actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy.

Frank’s demand followed a viral video in which Gbajabiamila was quoted as telling Hon Leke Abejide, during his wife’s 50th birthday that: “Don’t come to APC. Stay in ADC and scatter them. We like what you’re doing… stay in ADC and win your election… bring Bala Gombe, and we’ll support him. Good luck in court.”

Describing the remarks as “reckless” and dangerous, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said they point to a deliberate attempt to weaken opposition parties and erode democratic institutions.

“Your statement, as Chief of Staff, raises serious concerns about the determination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s regime to truncate democracy,” he said, adding that “inference can be made that there is an infringement on the independence of the judiciary.”

He warned that any suggestion that courts could be influenced “undermines public confidence in democratic institutions,” citing references to political actors, including Leke Abejide, as requiring clarification to avoid “dangerous interpretations.”

Frank argued that Gbajabiamila’s comments effectively confirm the Presidency’s involvement in crises rocking opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“When a Chief of Staff speaks, it reflects the body language of the President. This points to a deliberate attempt to weaken opposition and consolidate power,” he said.

He further claimed that state influence, including the use of the judiciary, is being deployed against opposition parties. “The audacity of the statement suggests nothing will happen even if opposition parties are destabilised. That is dangerous,” he added.

Frank described Gbajabiamila as “an alter ego of the President” who had “displayed the arrogance of power,” insisting that public office holders must uphold restraint, respect for the rule of law and constitutional order.

He also urged U.S. authorities to probe Gbajabiamila’s activities and financial dealings.

“As an American citizen, he should be held accountable. We want to know if he is meeting his tax obligations in line with his earnings in Nigeria,” Frank said, describing him as “a bad ambassador of the United States.”

“We want to be sure that all earnings, including those from official and business engagements in Nigeria, are properly declared and taxed,” he added.

On accountability, Frank insisted resignation was the only honourable option.

“We call for your resignation with immediate effect. If such a statement were made in the United States, the official involved would have resigned forthwith,” he said.

He disclosed plans to petition the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, stressing that “those entrusted with leadership must reflect humility, constitutional awareness and respect for separation of powers.”

“Power is transient, but institutions must endure. Any comment that diminishes their independence must be corrected,” he added.

The call comes amid rising concerns over the stability of Nigeria’s multiparty system and allegations of increasing pressure on opposition parties.

Comrade Timi Frank is the ULMWP Ambassador (East Africa and Middle East) and Senior Advisor, Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA.

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Alleged Coup Plotters Get April 22 Date for Trial, Slammed with 13-Count Charge

Published

1 day ago

April 21, 2026

Eric

The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against a retired Major General, a retired Naval Captain, a serving police inspector, and three others over an alleged coup plot and acts of terrorism.

The alleged coup plotters, are scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow (Wednesday), April 22, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Those named in the charge are Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (rtd), Captain (NN) Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (rtd), Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

Also listed as a defendant, but said to be at large, is former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.

The charge, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, accuses the defendants of offences ranging from treason and terrorism to failure to disclose security intelligence and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.

At the centre of the case is an allegation that the defendants conspired in 2025 to undermine the Nigerian state.

According to the charge, they “conspired with one another to levy war against the state to overawe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.

The prosecution further alleged that the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving one Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others but failed to alert authorities.

The charge stated that they, “knowing that and intended to commit treason, did not give the information thereof with all reasonable despatch to either the President or a Peace Officer.”

In another count, the defendants were accused of failing to take preventive steps, as they allegedly “did not use any reasonable endeavours to prevent the commission of the offence.”

Beyond treason, the Federal Government is prosecuting the defendants for terrorism-related offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The charge alleged that they “conspired with one another to commit an act of terrorism in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Particularly, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru are accused of participating in meetings linked to terrorist activities.

Prosecutors claim they acted “in a bid to further a political ideology which may seriously destabilise the constitutional structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The charge also accused the defendants of providing support for terrorism, alleging that they “knowingly and indirectly rendered support” to facilitate acts of terror.

In addition, the prosecution alleged a deliberate suppression of intelligence, stating that the defendants “had information which would be of material assistance in preventing the commission of the act of terrorism but failed to disclose the information to the relevant agency as soon as practicable.”

The case further traced financial transactions allegedly linked to terrorism financing, with multiple defendants accused of handling proceeds of unlawful activities.
Bukar Kashim Goni is alleged to have “indirectly retained the aggregate sum of N50,000,000, which forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: terrorism financing,” while Abdulkadir Sani allegedly retained N2 million from a similar source.

Zekeri Umoru, according to the charge, “without going through a financial institution accepted a cash payment of the sum of N10,000,000,” and also retained an additional N8.8 million suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing.

Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim was also accused of taking possession of N1 million linked to the same alleged scheme.

All financial-related counts were brought under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The 13-count charge presents what prosecutors describe as a coordinated network involving security personnel, civilians, and a politically exposed individual, allegedly connected to activities threatening national security.