By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
Constitutional law expert and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Professor Maxwell Michael Gidado, has made a strong case for the restructuring of Nigeria’s federal system through constitutional amendment.
He made the call during the 53rd Inaugural Lecture of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), where he delivered a scholarly presentation titled:
"Nigeria’s Unitary Federalism and the Restructuring Debate: Perspectives from the Jurisprudence of Constitutionalism."
Held at the NSUK Assembly Hall, the lecture attracted a wide array of dignitaries, including academics, legal practitioners, political leaders, traditional rulers, and members of the university community, particularly from the Faculty of Law.
In her welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of NSUK, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman (Fellow, UNESCO; ACLS; FIIFP), congratulated Professor Gidado for taking a bold step in professing in his field of expertise.
She praised his academic contributions and described the topic as timely and highly relevant to Nigeria’s current socio-political realities.
“The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria is more than a legal document—it is a social contract that reflects our collective values and guarantees the fundamental rights of every Nigerian,” she said.
A Call for Decentralization
In his lecture, Professor Gidado emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to adopt a more balanced federal structure.
He argued that the current centralized system of governance places too much power at the centre, to the detriment of the federating states.
He identified key areas that would benefit from restructuring, including security, education, power, and resource management.
According to him, a decentralized system would give states the autonomy to manage their affairs more effectively, encourage healthy competition, reduce corruption, and address feelings of marginalization.
“In a restructured Nigeria, states will operate independently within a constitutional framework, making it easier to trace accountability and deliver meaningful governance at the grassroots level,” Professor Gidado noted.
He further stressed that calls for restructuring are not new, pointing out that many politicians, academics, and civil society groups have consistently advocated for it.
He concluded with a firm recommendation that a constitutional amendment is the legal pathway through which Nigeria can achieve genuine restructuring and national cohesion.
Tributes and Commendations
The event also featured goodwill messages from several personalities. Dr. Suleiman Nchi of the Faculty of Law described Professor Gidado as a mentor and a pillar of support to the academic community.
He expressed admiration for Gidado’s scholarly discipline and unwavering contributions to the development of legal education in Nigeria.
In her remarks, Dame Pauline Tallen, former Minister of Women Affairs, congratulated Professor Gidado for a successful academic journey and the powerful delivery of his inaugural lecture. Chief J.K. Gadzama, SAN, also offered warm commendation, applauding Professor Gidado’s intellectual depth and commitment to national development.
Presentation and Closing
The high point of the event was the presentation of a plaque of honour to Professor Gidado by the Vice-Chancellor, symbolizing recognition of his immense academic contributions.
The lecture concluded with a group photograph of Professor Gidado with guests, colleagues, and students to commemorate the occasion.
The 53rd Inaugural Lecture at NSUK delivered by Professor Maxwell Michael Gidado, SAN, has added a scholarly voice to the national restructuring debate.
His call for constitutional reform has re-energized conversations around governance, equity, and federalism in Nigeria.
