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A university don, Professor Felix Talabi, has stressed the urgent need for a free press in Nigeria as a prerequisite for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Delivering the 26th inaugural lecture of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State—titled “Episcopacy of Journalism in Academia: From Millennium Development to Sustainable Development Goals in Humanus Directio,” on Thursday, Prof. Talabi expressed concern over the shrinking civic space in the country.
He noted that despite constitutional guarantees protecting freedom of expression and the right to life, journalists and outspoken critics of the government continue to face severe intimidation in Nigeria.
According to him, the media space is heavily curtailed through various mechanisms, most notably by law enforcement agencies and state security apparatuses.
“For example, it was recorded in 2022 that at least 64 incidents of attacks on journalists and the media were committed with impunity, without anyone being arrested.
“In a country where democracy is practiced, the rule of law is expected to prevail, and no one should be above the law. At various times, journalists were assaulted, arrested, and detained while media premises were shut down and equipment destroyed by law enforcement agents,” Talabi said.
The professor maintained that the SDGs remain unattainable in the absence of an independent press. He urged stakeholders to unite, noting that as academia and the press fulfill their social responsibilities, collective efforts are required to ensure Nigeria sustainably reaps the benefits of the UN global agenda.
Explaining the conceptual framework of his lecture, Talabi noted that Humanus Directio implies that all efforts within journalism and academia are directed toward societal improvement.
He likened the “episcopacy” of journalism to structured, purposeful leadership aimed at fostering peace, justice, and fairness, aligning with the core mission of the UN goals to make life better globally.
“The connecting rod between humanity and a better life is well-researched journalism studies that audiences can easily relate with,” he added.
However, Talabi identified several hurdles facing the “episcopacy of journalism in academia,” including infrastructural deficiencies, economic instability, flawed policy formulations, and the misuse of emerging technologies.
Specifically, he cautioned that the unguided adoption and misapplication of social media and Artificial Intelligence (AI) could hinder the synergistic relationship between journalism and sustainable development.
To meet the UN 2030 SDG targets, the scholar argued that Nigeria must aggressively invest in space technology and bridge the digital divide.
He decried the high cost of broadband and communication satellites, which continues to impede academic research despite the country commanding a substantial share of the African business portfolio for international satellites.
Citing the potentials and limitations of NigComSat, Talabi posited that a lack of indigenous technical know-how and heavy reliance on foreign engineers pose major setbacks.
“It is, therefore, my professional opinion that our nation is faced with a monumental challenge in how to structure, configure, and reposition information and communications technology, especially software, in Nigeria as a prime industry for nation-building, economic survival, national security, and global competitiveness,” Talabi added.
