During an in-depth discussion on the programme “State Affairs” with Edmund Obilo, Dr. Bola Dauda revisited one of the most debated political moments in Nigeria’s First Republic. He explained how policy decisions taken in the Western Region during the mid-1950s shaped electoral behaviour and influenced the political fortunes of key regional leaders.
In the recent video from 22:23, Dr. Dauda made his position clear when he stated that “Obafemi Awolowo lost the election in the West in 1954/1955 because of his introduction of free education,” arguing that the policy, though visionary, met resistance from many communities who felt overwhelmed by the speed of its implementation.
According to him, Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s free primary education programme was a landmark initiative, but it demanded significant community involvement at a time when local resources were already stretched thin. He noted that many towns were required to contribute land, labour or funding for the construction of classrooms and other facilities. While the long-term benefits were profound, the short-term pressures created unease among residents who felt unprepared for such widespread reform.
Dr. Dauda explained that this discomfort provided political opponents with an opportunity to challenge Awolowo’s administration by presenting the policy as burdensome rather than transformative. He said the resulting public frustration became a fertile ground for opposition campaigns during the 1954 and 1955 elections.
He emphasised that history eventually proved Awolowo’s policy to be one of the most impactful social investments in Nigeria, setting a strong foundation for educational development in the Western Region and beyond. However, the political backlash it triggered at the time remains a reminder that even well-intentioned reforms can face resistance when communities struggle with immediate costs.
He concluded that leadership often requires making difficult decisions, and Awolowo’s experience shows the complex balance between visionary policy and public acceptance. View, More,
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