Awoniyi advocates moral reawakening to tackle corruption in Nigeria

By Tolulope Eniola

A Professor of Social Ethics at Adekunle Ajasin University, Sunday Awoniyi, has advocated the revival and reintegration of African ethical values as a strategy for addressing corruption and moral decline in Nigeria.

Awoniyi made the call on Tuesday while delivering the institution’s 64th inaugural lecture titled “The Wages of Corruption and Leadership Failure: Socio-Ethical Frameworks as Pathways to Social Transformation.”

The professor argued that corruption is not merely a product of legal, administrative, or economic shortcomings but fundamentally a socio-ethical challenge rooted in distorted societal values that make wrongdoing appear acceptable and injustice seem normal.

He lamented that corruption has become deeply entrenched in Nigeria and many African societies, having permeated institutions, become culturally normalised, and increasingly justified as a means of survival.

According to him, corruption manifests in various forms, including bribery, embezzlement, extortion, nepotism, money laundering, electoral manipulation, patronage, misappropriation of public resources, and contract fraud. He also identified unethical political practices such as undue agitation for second terms and the abuse of public office for personal benefit.

Awoniyi noted that the consequences of corruption and leadership failure include weakened institutions, economic stagnation, and declining public trust. He added that these challenges have deprived many Nigerians of access to quality healthcare, education, and a dignified standard of living.

The scholar attributed the persistence of corruption to factors such as greed, declining moral consciousness, weak accountability systems, societal tolerance of unethical conduct, lack of transparency, delays in the justice system, and the absence of moral considerations in appointments and promotions.

To address the problem, he proposed a socio-ethical framework that combines moral values, social institutions, cultural narratives, and public accountability, arguing that legal reforms alone have proven insufficient.

Awoniyi further called for the revival of traditional African values, including respect for elders and constituted authority, communal responsibility, care for vulnerable members of society, and active participation in community development. He warned that the erosion of these values has contributed significantly to contemporary social challenges across Africa.

He also advocated the institutionalisation of ethics, civic responsibility, and accountability training in leadership development programmes across the political, public, and corporate sectors. In addition, he urged educational institutions to strengthen civic and moral education to promote trust, social responsibility, and commitment to the common good.

The professor stressed the need for leaders to exemplify the values they advocate, maintaining that public ethics must be demonstrated consistently through actions rather than rhetoric.

“Anti-corruption efforts must go beyond punishment and legal enforcement to include ethical education, institutional reforms, and cultural transformation. Corruption cannot be defeated without a shared moral commitment by society,” he said.

Awoniyi also called for greater protection for whistle-blowers and civil society actors to encourage active citizenship and foster a culture that rejects corruption at all levels.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Olugbenga Ige, congratulated the lecturer on delivering the institution’s 64th inaugural lecture, describing it as an important academic milestone. He commended Awoniyi for contributing ideas and research aimed at addressing societal challenges and advancing national development.