*Prof. Peter Okebukola

Development

By Olawale Alabi

Abeokuta, June 11, 2025 (CrestNewsOnline) Prof. Peter Okebukola, a former Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), says mismanagement of resources and poor governance are hindrances to development in African countries.

Okebukola, while reflecting on the continent’s underdevelopment, noted that in spite of Africa’s richness in natural resources, poor governance and mismanagement have been a problem.

He said these hindrances have led to the squandering of wealth which could otherwise be used for development.

“When leaders failed to properly manage their countries’ resources, they allow foreign corporations or governments to exploit them, thereby putting in place the narrative that African countries need external forces to thrive, Okebukola said.

He noted that rampant corruption among several African leaders had led to distrust in governance, as well as economic instability and slow progress.

“This development reinforced the idea that the African leadership was incapable of delivering effective development, thereby fostering a sense of hopelessness and inferiority among citizens.”

Okebukola stated that corruption and poor governance were the ingredients of economic underdevelopment, social inequality and political instability.

“Nigeria is an example, even with the advantage of being the largest oil producer.

”It has long struggled with corruption, particularly in its oil sector which accounts for a significant portion of government revenues.