Vice-Chancellor, Caleb University Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju has advised the Federal Government to use merit in selecting public office holders.
He spoke yesterday at the 15th Convocation and Investiture of new fellows of The Nigeria Academy of Letters (NAL) at the main auditorium, University of Lagos, (UNILAG), Akoka, Lagos.
He said: "Let Federal Character anBd Quota System go on recess while we build a country for all."
Prof Olukoju spoke on the topic: "Nigeria's Cultural Tapestry and the Challenge of Development'.
He said equity and the welfare of the people should be the government's battle cry, adding that Nigerian history must be taught in secondary schools as a compulsory subject to equip citizens with a sound knowledge of the society .
Olukoju said a new leadership culture must be developed from the cradle.
He said it wa only by doing this that the gulf between diversity and development could be bridged and allow for an educated, enlightened and patriotic leadership capable of galvanising the people for development.
He said: "Such leaders must be able to invent the Nigerian Dream, an articulated vision of a nation held together by the powers of our cultural links, the muscle of our human and natural resources, the backbone of criss-crossing physical and social infrastructure, and the blood of social justice and good governance. If such a leadership could emerge, even in the face of daunting odds, if there is devolution to the regions, and if the famed federal might is applied to solving national problems, and not used as feral might to oppress and impoverish, then, the Nigerian centenary could well lead to the Nigerian century."
President of the NAL Prof Munzali Jibril, who spoke with reporters, said the three fellows who were admitted were selected from ten applications.
Those who were newly admitted include: Prof Richard Adebayo Olaniyan, Prof Is-haq Olarewaju Oloyede and Prof Eno-Abasi Urua.
