European Psychologist Prof. Pawel Boski Delivers 54th Inaugural Lecture at NSUK, Advocates for Reduced Power Distance in Nigeria
By Roseline Okafor, Nasarawa.
The 54th Inaugural Lecture of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), was delivered by Prof. Pawel Boski, Professor of Cross-Cultural Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, on the theme: “Economic Prosperity, People’s Psychological Well-being and Culture-Dimensions: Nigeria on World Maps.”
The event began with an academic procession of principal academicians of the institution led by the vice Chancellor, prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman.
In her welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University Keffi, Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, commended the efforts behind organizing the lecture.
“Economic prosperity, psychological well-being and cultural dimensions are what we should all look out for in this lecture,” she said.
She further appreciated the planning committee for making the lecture a success and urged other professors to take the inaugural lecture series seriously to promote research and innovation.
“Prof. Pawel Boski, Professor of Cross Cultural, Department of Psychology, is doing a lot in terms of impacting knowledge regarding the field of Psychology in not just the students, but staff of this great institution. We really appreciate him for that, we are very glad to have him in Nasarawa State University, Keffi,” she stated.
In their goodwill messages, deans and professors hailed Prof. Boski for taking the bold step of delivering his inaugural lecture barely a year after joining the institution in 2024. They praised his dedication and hard work, describing him as a role model.
Delivering his lecture, Prof. Boski highlighted the negative impact of power distance on Nigeria’s economic development.
“Some elements of traditionality which the top most is power distance is a feature which results in low level of economic development. Nigeria as a clear example is a leader in power distance, which means there’s a huge difference between those who are in power and those who are powerless,” he said.
According to the inaugural lecturer, it would be good for Nigeria as a country to decrease the existence of power distance in the country between those who are classified as big in the society and those who are little, stating that the progress of Nigeria would develop faster and quicker if everyone is been treated equally, both the privileged and underprivileged.”
The lecture climaxed with the Vice Chancellor presenting an award of recognition to Prof. Boski in appreciation of his “consistent hard work, dedication and resilience towards his field.”
