The Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Professor Lateef Oladimeji, has identified injustice and the poor allocation of resources as primary factors hindering Nigeria's economic development, despite the nation's significant natural and human potentials.

Professor Oladimeji shared these views during the 15th Annual Ramadan Lecture organised by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Ilorin. The lecture was titled "Islamic Ethics as a Foundation for Peaceful Co-existence in Nigeria."

The Vice Chancellor condemned all forms of violence, including tribalism, banditry, kidnapping, cyberbullying, violent protests, and the destruction of property. He further cautioned against extremism, stressing that Islam does not support the dissemination of its teachings through violence or the exploitation of religion to justify misconduct.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, Professor Oladimeji warned politicians against engaging in actions that could deepen national divisions. Instead, he urged them to prioritise national unity and good governance. He criticised early political campaigning driven by unfulfilled promises from the 2023 elections and reminded leaders of their obligation to honour the trust placed in them by the electorate.

The Islamic scholar emphasised that public office holders will be held accountable for their stewardship, urging them to uphold the concept of Amana (trust) and act with integrity. Furthermore, Professor Oladimeji called on religious leaders to be fair and God-fearing in their duties, while encouraging adherents of different faiths to respect one another's boundaries to foster peaceful coexistence.

In a separate presentation, Islamic scholar Dr Suleiman Olayinka Kasandubu urged politicians, particularly those currently in public office, to remain mindful of their accountability to both the citizenry and Allaah. He warned against the use of public positions for personal enrichment or the mismanagement of public funds, advising leaders not to be blinded by materialism. Dr Kasandubu also encouraged husbands to care responsibly for their families, describing it as a vital moral duty.

The Chairman of the occasion, Professor Muhammed Jamiu Suleiman, commended the organisers for sustaining the annual lecture series. He praised the selection of speakers, noting that they addressed the theme with significant depth and relevance.