Professor of Cross-Cultural Psychology, Pawel Boski has called on Nigerians to reduce the cultural and societal emphasis on hierarchical authority and privileges, which can stifle creativity and lead to corruption. Boski made this demand while delivering the 54th Inaugural Lecture of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), .

In a professorial inaugural lecture titled “Economic Prosperity, People’s Psychological Well-being, and Cultural Dimensions: Nigeria on the World Map” Boski argued that implementing power distance reduction across all levels of society, including family, school, university, organizations, and government offices is the way forward for Nigeria to attain her potentials. He said Nigeria needs to lessen or reduce the huge gap between the have and the have not.

His recommendations are aimed at promoting a more inclusive, creative, and equitable society in Nigeria: “I wanted to show globally, how is economic progress of a country related to the dominant cultural elements of that country and how it all results to how happy people are or not.

“So, the data was for 140 countries almost entire world. And it was found that some elements of traditionality, which is first of all, power distance and living in very large groups called family collectively is a future which results in low level economic development, and unfortunately people being unhappy.

“When we discuss the case of Nigeria, it is discovered that Nigeria is a leader in power distance. There is a huge difference between those who are in power and those who are powerless. Then I said finally, it would be good for Nigerians, it would be good for the country to lessen, to decrease the power distance existing in the country, between the poor and the rich.

“I know that’s difficult process, but it’s for the benefit of the country. To develop more quickly among people who are equally rich and not privileged and under privileged. And to a very large extent guaranteed more happiness. To make the process of growth and development faster is to lessen the degree of power distance in Nigeria”.

He encouraged citizens to think freely and contribute to society without fear of authority or conformity to please those in power, saying there is a need for tink-tank groups of experts who can provide advice and support to politicians and policymakers without being part of the government machinery.

His proposition recognizes that cultural change is necessary to address issues like corruption and underdevelopment, rather than just replacing individuals in power.

In her opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman express delight at the choice of the caption of the lecture. She highlighted the intricate relationship between economic growth, mental health and cultural vantage.

“As we explore these interconnected things we have to consider the following factors and beliefs: (a) the economic prosperity; how Nigerian society impacts citizens’ wellbeing, (b) psychological wellbeing;  the role of mental health in national development, and (c) cultural dimensions; Nigeria’s unique cultural heritage and its influence on economic and psychological outcomes.

The VC noted that, the administration, in realizing the importance of people psychological wellbeing, is doing all it could to ensure leverages in human resources in the Department of Psychology to the advantage of it staff and students for the need to attain the required mental health desire for personal development.

“It is for this reason that a special student profiling committee has been established under the chairmanship of a renowned professor of Psychology, Prof Andrew Zamani.

“Any student found with traces of substance abuse is recommended for appropriate counselling before the situation goes out of hand” she pointed out.

Prof. Sa’adatu  urged other professors who are yet to deliver their inaugural lectures to do so, in order to be fully established as Professor on their chairs.

The Lecture was attended by Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, Michal Cygan and other dignitaries.

I wanted to show globally, how is economic progress of a country related to the dominant cultural elements of this country and how it all results to how happy people are or not. So, the data was for 140 countries almost entire world. And it was found that some elements of traditionality, which is first of all, power distance and living in very large groups called family collectively is a future which results in low level economic development, and unfortunately people being unhappy. When we discuss the case of Nigeria, it is discovered that Nigeria is a leader in power distance. There is a huge difference between those who are in power and those who are powerless. Then i said finally, it would be good for Nigerians, it would be good for the country to lessen, to decrease the power distance existing in the country, between the poor and the rich. I know that it is a difficult process, but it is for the benefit of the country, so as to develop more quickly among people who are equally…and not privileged and under privileged, and to a very large extent guaranteed more happiness. To make the process of growth and development faster is to lessen the degree of power distance in Nigeria.

Our lectural today, Professor…is a renowned European Cross Cultural Psychologist who joined NSUK early  in the year 2024. He heads the department of Cross Cultural Psychology in …university in Poland, one of the largest private university in Poland. He has worked in AFRICA ALSO, North America and Europe. His research focuses on acculturation, cultural identities and cross-cultural understanding.

Realizing the importance of people psychological wellbeing, NSUK is doing all it could to ensure leverages in human resources in the Dept of Psychology to the advantage of it staff and students for the need to attain the require mental health desire for personal development.