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Academics and university professionals have been urged to actively participate in partisan politics rather than remain on the sidelines, with stakeholders arguing that their expertise is needed to improve governance and policy outcomes in Nigeria. The call was made during an event in Ogun State where education stakeholders and political supporters stressed the importance of intellectual involvement in leadership. 
The Registrar of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun, Dapo Oke, said scholars and lecturers should no longer limit themselves to classrooms and research spaces but should step into politics to contribute their knowledge to national development. He argued that academics possess analytical skills and historical understanding that can help correct governance mistakes and strengthen institutions. 
Oke also emphasized that intellectuals have traditionally played key roles in shaping societies, noting that their absence from politics has left leadership largely in the hands of individuals without sufficient policy or research grounding. He added that greater participation of educated professionals would promote better decision-making, accountability, and development-oriented leadership. 
The appeal reflects a growing debate in Nigeria over the need to bridge the gap between academia and governance, with many stakeholders insisting that the country’s development challenges require more technocrats and researchers to transition into active political leadership. 
