The Nigerian Economic Society (NES) has formally inducted a total of 120 graduate students of Economics from Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye as Associate and Full Members of the body, with a call on them to be changemakers and active contributors to the nation’s economic development. The President and Chairman, Governing Council of NES, Dr. Baba Yusuf Musa, made the call in his address at the maiden induction ceremony of Ogun State Chapter held on Tuesday, 18th November, 2025 at the Adebola Adegunwa Lecture Theatre, Main Campus, Ago-Iwoye.
Dr. Musa, who was represented at the event by the NES Chairperson, Ogun State Chapter, Prof. Comfort Amire, charged Nigerian economists to be at the centre of national discourse by translating theory into practice, fostering accountability and helping to shape a more inclusive and resilient economy. According to him, every challenge Nigeria faces today, whether inflation, unemployment or inequality, represents an opening for economists to demonstrate relevance. “The problems of our time demand creative minds who can connect ideas with implementation,” the NES President told the newly inducted members, whom he described as the bridge between Nigeria’s economic aspirations and its practical realities.
He further said, “We live in a time of extraordinary change, slowing global growth, tightening financial conditions, and heightened uncertainty. Across Africa, and especially in Nigeria, we confront persistent inflation, exchange rate volatility, rising debt burdens, youth unemployment, and infrastructure gaps. At the same time, rapid digital transformation is reshaping markets, finance and work itself.”
“In this context, economists cannot afford to remain passive observers. We must be at the centre of national discourse, providing evidence-based solutions that balance economic efficiency with social equity.”
Dr. Musa emphasised that by their training and induction into NES, the inductees have been positioned to be changemakers, adding that they must act with purpose, confidence and conviction as well as develop innovative policy ideas. While congratulating them on the induction, the NES President enjoined the new members to define their professional journey with four guiding principles: curiosity, boldness, ethical practice and active engagement.
He commended the University Management for its commitment to academic excellence and for approving the hosting of the historic event, pointing out that the institution’s investment in intellectual capital remains an investment in Nigeria’s economic future.
The Head, Department of Economics, Dr. Oluwaseyi Adelowokan, in his remarks, said the induction ceremony marked an important milestone for the Department as it was the inaugural edition. He commended the staff of the Department for their dedication in making the event a reality. He also congratulated the inductees and wished them success in their professional journey.
Dr. Adelowokan described NES as a body promoting rigorous scholarship, sound economic policy and professional excellence, and implored the inducted graduate students of the University to take advantage of its opportunities.
He said, “The inclusion of our graduate students in this national body signals our commitment to producing Economists who are intellectually grounded, ethically responsible and prepared to contribute meaningfully to national development.”
“To our inductees, this ceremony is both a recognition of your academic efforts and a call to a higher standard of professional conduct. I encourage you to take full advantage of the platforms, networks and opportunities that the Society provides.”
Speaking at the event, the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Dele Odunlami, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, said the University was proud of the NES, particularly its quality representation and contributions to national development. He expressed joy that the institution has two members of its academic staff in the state executive of the body, reflecting its commitment to shaping policy that drives sustainable development.
He congratulated the inductees and advised them to uphold the core values of NES, nurture collaborative research, and translate economic insights into policies that drive sustainable development for the nation.
Prof. Odunlami said, “This is indeed an epoch-making occasion and the University stands by you. We are proud of NES, and particularly the quality representation of that body and the contributions it has made to national development in terms of sound intellectual scholarship, policy analysis and ethical principles.’’
“I want to congratulate the inductees of today and assure you that your future is bright. I want to commend your initiative and commitment to excellence, and also commend the innovation from your Department to really make this event a reality. The University cherishes your contributions; we know the Department of Economics is a leading department in the University in terms of the quality of outputs.”
The high point of the event was the administration of Oath of Induction and declaration of Admission into Membership for the graduate students. Also, the induction lecture, entitled “Changing Global Business Order: Economists as Beneficiaries,” was delivered by a renowned academic and distinguished Professor of Economics, Prof. Sheriffdeen Tella.
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, later hosted the NES President’s representative and members of the state chapter’s executive at his office, where discussions on collaborations between the University and the professional body further took place.