Professor Advocates Chinese-Style Punishment for Corrupt Officials in Nigeria

A renowned scholar, Professor Emmanuel Onoja, has called for China’s strict anti-corruption measures, including capital punishment, to be adopted in Nigeria as a deterrent against corruption.

Delivering the 23rd Inaugural Lecture at Federal University Lokoja (FUL) on Wednesday, Prof. Onoja, a Professor of Accounting and Taxation, lamented that corruption has crippled Nigeria’s progress by undermining accountability, sustainability, and social justice.
In his lecture, titled “Accountability, Sustainability, and Social Justice: Key Catalysts for Nation-Building,” Prof. Onoja argued that corruption persists because punishments for offenders are too lenient.

“If Nigeria is serious about eradicating corruption, it must adopt stricter punitive measures like China, where corrupt officials are severely dealt with, including through capital punishment. Without decisive action, corruption will continue to rob the nation of its potential,” he declared.

Prof. Onoja stressed that for Nigeria to develop, it must integrate accountability, sustainability, and social justice into governance
In the area of accountability, he said leaders and institutions must be transparent and responsible, ensuring policies serve the people’s best interests.
In the area of sustainability, he said resource management must be efficient and long-term, ensuring future generations are not compromised.
For social Justice he pointed out that Government policies must be such that promote fairness and inclusion, bridging inequality gaps.

“These principles must not remain mere rhetoric but should shape policies, governance, and daily life in Nigeria,” he insisted.

The professor urged governments at all levels to strengthen anti-corruption institutions, enforce stricter penalties, and implement governance reforms that prioritize the well-being of citizens over personal interests.

Prof. Olafemi Akinwumi, Vice Chancellor of FUL, commended the lecture for addressing critical national issues, emphasizing that Nigeria’s future depends on transparency, fairness, and responsible leadership.

“For Nigeria to thrive, accountability, sustainability, and social justice must become the bedrock of our governance system,” he noted.

As Nigeria struggles with corruption at all levels, Prof. Onoja’s call for harsher consequences for corrupt officials adds to the ongoing debate on how best to tackle the menace and restore integrity in governance.