The 54th Professorial Inaugural Lecture Series of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), was delivered on Wednesday, 24th September, 2025, by Professor Pawel Boski, a distinguished scholar of cross-cultural and intercultural psychology from the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences. The lecture, held at the University’s Assembly Hall, was titled “Economic Prosperity, People’s Psychological Well-being and Culture-Dimensions: Nigeria on World Maps.” The event drew eminent academics, administrators, and members of the university community.
In her opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman (Fellow: UNESCO, ACLS, FIIFP, CBER), congratulated Professor Boski on reaching this important academic milestone. She described the lecture’s theme as both timely and relevant, given the increasing global interest in the intersections of economic growth, mental well-being, and cultural values. She noted that the insights offered would enrich national discourse as Nigeria redefines its place on the world stage. The Vice-Chancellor further commended the Inaugural Lecture Planning Committee, management, and guests for their contributions to the event’s success.
In his presentation, Professor Boski examined how cultural dimensions such as power distance, family collectivism, and religiosity shape Nigeria’s developmental trajectory. He argued that these elements present challenges to technological advancement, economic development, and the psychological well-being of citizens. Stressing the pervasiveness of power distance across families, institutions, and societal structures, he stated: “The process of power distance reduction must be both bottom-up and top-down, as all levels of human life are affected by this cultural malaise.”
Delivering goodwill messages, the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Yahaya Abdullahi Adadu, praised Professor Boski for his resilience, scholarly excellence, and contributions to the faculty and the university. Similarly, Mr. Stanislaw Gulinski, representing the Polish Embassy, congratulated the lecturer and the Vice-Chancellor. He lauded NSUK’s commitment to diversity, peaceful coexistence, and cultural understanding, describing them as key ingredients for Nigeria’s national progress.
A major highlight of the occasion was the presentation of a Medal of Honour and a Plaque of Recognition to Professor Boski by the Vice-Chancellor, followed by a group photograph to mark the memorable academic event.
