Leadership Integrity as a Panacea for National Development Failures
A professor of Public Finance and Accounting at the University of America, California, USA, Paschal Okolie, has identified positive character and integrity as essential solutions to the failures of national development plans.
Prof. Okolie, who is also a Visiting Professor at Spiritan University Nneochi, Abia State, Nigeria, made this disclosure while delivering an inaugural lecture titled “National Development Plans and Public Finance Management: The Role of Leadership Integrity in National Development” at the University of America, California, USA.
He emphasized that the difference between developed and underdeveloped nations is often caused by individuals of questionable character occupying positions of power and using their influence to divert public funds for personal gain. He further stated that organizations, no matter how well-established, would decline if their management lacked integrity.
Case Studies of Failed Leadership
Prof. Okolie cited examples of failed leadership, such as Zimbabwe during the tenure of Robert Mugabe (1980–2017), a period marked by hyperinflation, poverty, and obnoxious government policies. Similarly, he highlighted the weakened economy and widespread infrastructure decay in Nigeria during the reign of former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, notorious for embezzling public funds, both within and outside Nigeria.
“The hallmarks of national development plans lie in their outcomes. Some countries fail despite having beautiful plans due to leaders lacking character and integrity. Such leaders prioritize personal interests over the welfare of their citizens, whether for themselves, their cronies, or specific groups,” he said.
Citing Peter Drucker, Prof. Okolie observed that while a leader might lack knowledge or judgment and still do little harm, a lack of character and integrity invariably leads to destruction, regardless of brilliance or success.
He argued that development plans must address key areas—health, industries, infrastructure, and education—to succeed. “Development plans must focus on human elements, ensuring sustainability and investing in human capital through education, skills training, and healthcare. A combination of these factors translates into meaningful human capital development,” he added.
In his remarks, the guest of honor and Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Professor Polycarp Chigbu, lauded the University Management for fostering research and innovation. He described the lecture as timely, emphasizing the need for nations to thoroughly investigate the antecedents of political aspirants before granting them leadership roles.
Professor Chigbu commended the Inaugural Lecturer, Prof. Paschal Okolie, for delivering a well-researched and insightful presentation.
The lecture was attended by prominent figures, including the Ag. Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Prof. Polycap Chigbu; Dr. and Mrs. Bertrand Odume; Pharm. Obinna Ozota and friends; Dr. Leonard Njamenze, Dr. Santus Orgazi, Dr. Ezeani Emeka, Dr. Nnenna Ugwu, and many others from within and outside the USA.
Prof. Okolie was jointly presented with the Inaugural Lecture Certificate by the Principal Officers of the University of America: the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. T. E. Vanbuskirk; the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Gamaliel O. Prince; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Princess Shullam; and the Registrar, Mrs. Gracia Roemer.
“Positive character and integrity are indispensable for effective public finance management and national development. Without them, even the most promising plans falter, leaving lasting damage to economies and societies.”
