The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra on Thursday attended the 41st Inaugural Lecture of the University of Abuja titled ‘The Paradox of Population Growth in National Development’ delivered by the President of Population Association of Nigeria (PAN), Prof. Rhoda Mundi at the Main Campus of the University of Abuja.
In his remarks, Hon. Kwarra commended the University of Abuja for organizing the lecture, stated that it was timely and would contribute to the ongoing discourse on the relationship between population growth and national development.
He said that the lecture had highlighted the need for Nigeria to invest in population planning and development, in order to harness the demographic dividend and avoid the potential challenges of population growth.
Hon. Kwarra also said that the NPC was committed to working with the University of Abuja and other stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria achieves its population goals.
The lecture was attended by a number of dignitaries, including the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Michael Adikwu, and the Registrar, Mr. Adamu Alhassan.
Prof. Mundi, in her lecture, argued that population growth can be a paradox for national development, depending on how it is managed.
She said that if population growth is not managed properly, it can lead to problems such as unemployment, poverty, and environmental degradation.
She however said that if population growth is managed properly, it can lead to positive outcomes such as increased productivity, innovation, and economic growth.
Prof. Mundi called for a more holistic approach to population planning and development, which take into account the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of population growth.
She said that Nigeria needed to invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, in order to create an enabling environment for its growing population.
She also called for the need to empower women and girls, in order to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.
The lecture was well-received by the audience, who engaged Prof. Mundi in a lively question and answer session.
The lecture was a significant event, and it is hoped that it will contribute to the ongoing discourse on the relationship between population growth and national development.
