An economist and political scientist from the University of Chicago, Professor James Robinson, has indicated interest in ongoing research works at Covenant University. Professor Robinson made this known during a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Professor Abiodun H. Adebayo.

Professor Robinson said that the progress and achievement of a young university like Covenant is such that it would make any notable researcher interested in its push towards advancing intellectual discourse. "I am ready to work with you from the standpoint of a social scientist in advancing developmental research as it cuts across the field of social science."

Professor Robinson, who has conducted influential research in the fields of political and economic development and the relationships between political power and institutions and prosperity, was in Covenant as a visiting scholar to deliver a seminar paper titled "Africa's Latent Assets." He used the occasion to give copies of his book "Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty" to the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor.

In his remarks, Professor Adebayo praised Professor Robinson for his dedication to the advancement of knowledge, noting that his book is timely and a must-read for a country like Nigeria, which is at a crossroads.

Professor Adebayo said the vision of Covenant University is about evolving solutions and ideas that will address challenges bedeviling nations, with a focus on indigenous solutions to indigenous developmental problems.

"The primary challenge facing Nigeria and Africa, at large, is that of leadership, as such our carefully crafted programmes to address the many leadership questions impeding national development. "We need to create more entrepreneurs than job seekers," he averred.

He noted that the Entrepreneurial Development Studies (EDS) programme of the University is customized to help address the challenges of unemployment in the country, and the attendant impact has been felt across the length and breadth of the nation, with the national tertiary regulatory body, the National Universities Commission (NUC), embracing the EDS pedagogy of Covenant as a model for all others, so as to put an end to the scourge of unemployment in the land.

Professor Adebayo said he hopes the visit of Professor Robinson will be the beginning of a more robust relationship between Covenant and the University of Chicago.

Present at the event were the Dean, College of Management and Social Sciences, Professor Abiola Babajide; Director, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Professor Omotayo Osibanjo; Director, International Office and Linkages, Dr Isaac Akinwunmi; and Head, Department of Economics, Professor Evans Osabuohien.