A Professor of Communication at the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Uyo, Prof Charles Obot, has called for an urgent review of the leadership recruitment process in Nigeria, urging the country to overcome its leadership and governance challenges.

Obot made the call while addressing participants at a one day international conference hosted by Topfaith University, Mkpatak, in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, themed "Leadership and Governance in Changing World: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges for Nigeria."

He observed that leadership and governance have remained the bane of Nigeria's progress, stressing that the country needs to review how leaders are selected rather than continuing with the current friction between political parties and the Independent Electoral Commission over the process.

According to him, Nigeria can only overcome its governance challenges when leaders cultivate integrity, honesty and transparency in both public and private life.

Citing instances where whistle blowers are punished or victimised for doing the right thing, Obot insisted that the country cannot develop while those acting honestly are penalised, adding that ethical leadership must be encouraged at every level.

In his remarks, Chief Executive Officer of the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme, Dr Andy Eyo, explained that entrepreneurship remains a key virtue for leaders seeking to create opportunities for graduates and other followers, urging Nigeria to overhaul its leadership selection process to produce leaders capable of driving job creation, boosting Gross National Product and improving technological development.

Chief Executive Officer and Federal Commissioner of the Nigerian Data Protection Commission, Dr Vincent Olatunji, disclosed that over 500,000 job vacancies currently exist for computer scientists and data analysts in Nigeria, urging tertiary graduates and youths to develop relevant skills and take up such opportunities to reduce unemployment and promote youth inclusiveness in governance.

Chairman of Topfaith University, Dr Emmanuel Abraham, noted in his remarks that Nigeria's leadership crisis is compounded by a corresponding problem among followers.