POLITICS IS A STRATEGIC METHOD THAT REQUIRES CALCULATIONS – LAWAL
– Says students need hand-on experience to translate theory to practice
Lawal Akinmayowa, a Sociology Scientist at Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago-Iwoye has said that studying political science as study is fundamental to build a new generation of students and practitioners of politics in Nigeria. Lawal explained that politics is a strategic method which requires transparent calculations, networking, relationship building and the rest of others and studying political science today is fundamental to building a new generation of students and practitioners of politics as many don’t understand what politics means nor what political science as a discipline is all about.
He added that the need for the promotion of the discipline is when a person become a trained political consultant and be relevant to addressing issues that affect the polity in Nigeria and beyond. When questioned on the scarcely of trained and qualified political scientists in the corridor of power in Nigeria, he noted that many with political science training and background end up working in other sectors of the economy as only few come to the academia.
Hr said, “The curriculum for the teaching and research in political science is very academic in nature, the significance of studying political science cannot be undermined if the country is to experience real development. “There is need to make it practical with reference to case studies for the learner, there is a need for a paradigm shift from learning conventional aspects of political science to actual practice of political science in Nigeria.
“Students can be placed on internship programme in a political party, with INEC, at the National Assembly, they need hand-on experience to translate theory to practice, this is one of the ways to build interest in participating in politics”. “Politics is the arts of the possible, it’s a strategy that requires calculations, planning, networking, relationship building, with other elements.
While condemning the idea of bribery and corruption that have become norms in the country at present, he stated that relying on money to make things possible is not a sustainable strategy in Politics. “Selling an idea that is so real into the hearts of the people that takes a solid form is the best and most sustaining strategy at inception requires years of work and practising.
“Can the status quo be changed from the obvious that it is today in Nigeria? Yes, so, now I will say this is the best time to become a professional political scientist, many are used to things being done wrongly, a professional political scientist can do things right”, he concluded.
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