university

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed concern over what he described as a growing pattern of last-minute cancellations of his speaking engagements at Nigerian universities.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Obi disclosed that he was unable to deliver a scheduled keynote lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University earlier in the day, despite prior arrangements and approvals. He said the event had been planned for months before it was abruptly called off.

Obi noted that the incident was not isolated, claiming that similar cancellations have occurred at more than ten institutions across the country. He cited a recent case at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, where he was invited to deliver a lecture in honour of late academic Frank Ndili, which was also cancelled on the day it was scheduled to take place.

According to him, the recurring disruptions raise concerns about the state of intellectual engagement within Nigeria’s academic institutions.

He stressed that universities are traditionally spaces for open dialogue, critical thinking and the exchange of ideas, warning that restricting such engagements could undermine their core purpose.

Drawing comparisons with institutions abroad, Obi said he has recently participated in academic engagements at leading universities including Harvard University, University of Cambridge and University of Oxford, where discussions were conducted without restrictions.

He called on stakeholders to safeguard academic freedom, noting that limiting discourse on campuses could have broader implications for national development and leadership.

As of Saturday evening, authorities at Obafemi Awolowo University had not issued an official response explaining the cancellation. The development has since sparked debate among stakeholders over the state of academic independence in Nigeria.