It was a rare gathering of old friends, former students, family members and admirers of scholarship as The Nation On Sunday’s columnist, Prof. Adebayo Lamikanra, unveiled his latest literary works, titled: Rise, Rise and Rise of Capitalism and Talking Points, on Tuesday in Lagos.
The event took place at CIAPS Auditorium, Akinola Cole Crescent, off Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja.
The book launch, which brought together Lamikanra’s old boys from Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos; former students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife in Osun State; family members and friends, was a celebration of the author as well as his books.
For many of the guests, the occasion offered an opportunity to reconnect with a teacher, colleague and friend whose influence has extended beyond the classroom.
The two books, which are collections of his write-ups in the newspapers, reflect different dimensions of Lamikanra’s intellectual engagement.
Rise, Rise and Rise of Capitalism explores the evolution and growing influence of capitalism, examining the forces that have shaped economic and social relations over time. It invites readers to interrogate the place of capitalism in contemporary society and its implications for individuals and nations.
In Talking Points, Lamikanra turns his attention to a range of issues, using reflections and observations to stimulate discussion on matters of public and intellectual interest. The book captures the author’s inclination to engage society through ideas and conversation.
The Director-General of the Centre for International Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), Prof. Anthony Kila, described the author as a man of many parts.
The CIAPS boss noted that the author has been able to do what many could not do, which is not just to write a book itself but mix natural science with social sciences, history, poetry, and literature in a way that awakens everyone.
‘Today, we are unveiling the books, but it is an opportunity to deepen intellectual discourse, ask the author general questions during the ‘Meet the Author’ session,’ Kila said.
Discussing with a former Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian newspaper, Mr. Martins Oloja, during the ‘Meet The Author’ session, Prof. Lamikanra urged the Federal Government to rethink the purpose of education, the impact of capitalism and the country’s approach to national development.
He decried the state of education, expressing concern that the quality and strength of the education sector has become worrisome.
The don recalled that the period Nigeria started deregulating everything was the beginning of the problems in the education sector.
According to him, unless and until the public school comes back to life, Nigeria cannot get it right in giving the nation quality education.
‘Discipline through education is what will lead Nigeria back to its glorious days. Today, it must also embrace technology because it is the reality of the time. Unfortunately, there are no teacher training colleges anymore. So, how are you going to pass quality training from one generation to another?
‘Let us create people, not so that they can provide for themselves and their families, but so that they can serve the community. This is because by serving the community, we protect whatever it is that that community has taken from them,’ he added.
The don explained how he arrived at the title Rise, Rise and Rise of Capitalism, saying it was partly intended to be sarcastic, while reflecting his views on the continued expansion and influence of capitalism.
Asked when he would stop writing, Prof. Lamikanra said: ‘When I am happy, I write. When I am angry, I write. I am an introvert, but I did not admit it to myself until recently. I don’t mind that. And when you are by yourself, what do you do? You write. You write. And I now appreciate that I am an introvert. I used to read a lot. However, I don’t read as much as I usually did. But I write not even as much as I used to do. I retired almost seven years ago. I did not miss not giving lectures. I am retired. You might think I am not tired, but I am retired.’
One of the reviewers of the books, Dr. Gideon Oluwatobi, described the works as thought-provoking examinations of Nigeria, Africa, education, politics, culture, corruption and the forces shaping society.
He said Lamikanra’s writings had a unique ability to connect everyday experiences with broader questions of national development.
On Talking Points, Oluwatobi noted that Lamikanra did not always begin with conventional national issues, but often used ordinary experiences to raise deeper questions.
The book reviewer cited the author’s use of situations involving motorists approaching roundabouts and damaged bridge railings to explore issues of discipline, law, education and public responsibility.
According to him, one of the major questions raised by the book is the purpose of education in Nigeria.
Oluwatobi said the author argued that education should not simply produce certificate holders but should develop people who are capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
The academic also highlighted Lamikanra’s discussion of Nigerian universities, saying the author emphasised the importance of academic freedom alongside discipline, merit and responsibility.
He added that the book examines corruption and the abuse of public resources, using various issues, such as missing bridge railings and public procurement, to illustrate how public property could be converted into private benefits.
He noted that Talking Points also addressed national unity, stressing the need for Nigerians to move beyond sectional interests and develop a stronger sense of national consciousness.
Oluwatobi added that the book extends its discussion to African identity and culture, including colonialism, Western cultural influence and the need for Africans to regain confidence in their cultural identity.
The book reviewer identified some limitations in the book, noting that some of Lamikanra’s arguments were strongly opinionated and could benefit from additional evidence.
Despite this, he maintained that the limitations did not diminish the significance of the book as a work capable of stimulating social reflection and debate.
Turning to Rise, Rise and Rise of Capitalism, the reviewer said the book attempted to tell the story of capitalism from the formation of human societies through class formation, industrialisation, colonialism, race, imperialism and war, while examining the implications of these developments for Africa.
Beyond the unveiling of the books, the gathering celebrated a life devoted to learning, teaching and the exchange of ideas. It was, in many respects, a reunion of generations brought together by one man’s enduring intellectual journey.