ESUT 60th Inaugural Lecture: Prof Fred Eze Advocates New Framework for Local Govt Resource Management

Scholars, government officials, policy experts and members of the university community gathered on Thursday at the Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Multi-purpose Auditorium, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, as Professor Frederick Odo Eze delivered the institution's 60th Inaugural Lecture.

Speaking on the theme, "Beyond the Autonomy Question, Local Government Resource Allocation and Utilisation in Nigeria: Changing the Narrative," the Professor of Public Administration urged stakeholders to look beyond administrative independence and focus on effective resource allocation, prudent financial management and service delivery at the grassroots.

Addressing top university management, policymakers, traditional rulers and students, Prof Eze emphasised that while local government autonomy remains a vital constitutional conversation, operational efficiency and accountability are what truly impact citizens.

"Autonomy without fiscal responsibility and structural efficiency will not translate to better livelihoods for our people. We must move beyond arguing over administrative boundaries and start changing the narrative around how resources are managed, allocated and deployed," he said.

Prof Eze outlined policy recommendations to revitalise local administration, including prioritising direct funding for essential public services, primary healthcare and rural infrastructure; establishing transparent oversight mechanisms to ensure funds directly benefit community development; and enhancing managerial competence of local government officers to eliminate waste and optimise resource utilisation.

Declaring the lecture open, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, welcomed dignitaries to what he described as a momentous academic celebration, highlighting the significance of the 60th edition and lauding Prof Eze for his contributions to public administration and governance studies.

"Today marks a historic milestone in the academic calendar of ESUT. Reaching our 60th Inaugural Lecture is a testament to ESUT's unwavering commitment to intellectual rigour, research excellence and national development," the Vice-Chancellor said.

He noted that inaugural lectures are platforms where leading minds share research to shape public policy, adding that the lecture offers timely, practical insights for policymakers amid challenges in governance and local administration.