Nigerians have been called upon not to ignore the study of their history but to take it more seriously, and that old generation politicians should not be blamed for the present condition of the country.

Former attorney general and minister of justice of the federation, Chief Richard Akinjide, made the call yesterday while speaking on the topic “Our Progress and The Game of Nations" at the Dominican Institute Ibadan Public Lecture.

While describing the pre-colonial era as very critical in the history of Africa, Chief Akinjide noted that the partitioning of Africa into various colonies at the Berlin conference was part of the reason why the continent remains the most underdeveloped in the world.

Decrying the present state of the nation, the ex minister explained that before independence Nigeria was far better than Malaysia but today Malaysia is more advanced than Nigeria adding that Nigerians should be embarrassed at this.

He further explained that the main issue with Nigeria is bad governance and added that if the country has good people in government at all levels things would be fine with Nigeria.

He enjoined Nigerians to stop blaming the Old generation of politicians for the problems of the country noting that the cause of the nation's problems is the military.

He explained that the level of education of the military who took over power by coup at that time was very poor describing their age and tribe as another factor.

He however noted that Nigeria has come too far to disintegrate, urging Nigerians to live as family and pray for the unity of the country.

In his welcome address the President of the Dominican Institute Ibadan Rev.Fr. Prof. Anthony Akinwale OP stated that no country can function without history.

He pointed out that one of the sad things about education in Nigeria is that history has been relegated to the background and called on the relevant authorities to address this trend, adding that one of the aims of the lecture is to an extent deal with this trend.

Expressing his gratitude to the guest speaker for gracing the occasion, Rev. Fr. Anthony also noted that if Nigerians want to make headway as a nation, they must listen to such personalities of historical icon.