With the continuous poor performance of candidates in various external examinations, one does not need any powers of divination to recognize that there is a problem somewhere. While the cause appears multifaceted, it is clear that one of its faces is the proclivity of many students for fun and entertainment. Continue reading “All Play and No Work”
Category: Change
Reign of Highhandedness
Last week, national media featured the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and the state’s Head of Service, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle. The media coverage hovered around an examination comprehension passage, and the sacking of six of the state’s educational officials. Continue reading “Reign of Highhandedness”
Shallow Foundations
In the world of construction, the role of good foundations in ensuring the stability of buildings and other structures has never been over-emphasized. Many buildings have collapsed because of foundations that could not bear the load placed on them. This article is not about engineering construction. Rather, it highlights a problem bedevilling the Nigerian educational system—building on shallow foundations. Continue reading “Shallow Foundations”
Traumatic Fraud
If the earth gets any weirder than it is right now, we would have to ship out to Mars or somewhere else. Weird stories seem to be the new order. A newly married groom is suing his bride for “traumatic fraud”. It is the Weird Weird Earth! Continue reading “Traumatic Fraud”
The New Opposition
Recently, I chanced upon a TV programme in which contemporary national political issues were being discussed. Much of the discourse filtered through my ears except for one statement that struck me. One of the panellist said, “Nigerians are the new Opposition”. That statement is the seed for this article. Continue reading “The New Opposition”
Justice for Sale
A man is in jail for the heinous crime of disputing land with someone having more money and connections than he does. Like him, many prisoners groan under phoney charges by the police ably assisted by the judicial system. They seek justice, which eludes them because in Nigeria, justice is for sale and usually goes to the highest bidder.
Project 10,000 Kids
In a country where millions of citizens have access to smartphones of different grades, but few have real ICT skills, an organization has come up with a plan to change the status quo, and inspire the next generation to develop ICT skills. That organization is ACI, with its Project 10,000 Kids. Continue reading “Project 10,000 Kids”
A Thing So Simple
For two weeks I’ve been secure within the Kaduna State NYSC orientation camp, which some persons see as a semi-prison, while some others including myself, see it as a blend of fun, stress, boredom and excitement. Hiding under the excuse that camp conditions are not conducive for creative writing, my notebook has lain idle until yesterday when an encounter provided enough motivation for me to put pen on paper.
May We Finally See
Nigerians started the year 2012 with a rude gift from the federal government. The President Jonathan-led administration had abolished the regime of petroleum subsidies, triggering a huge leap in pump prices. What followed was a series of protests that finally forced the government to backtrack, howbeit, not completely. The events of Jonathan’s final week in government show that despite the arguments and reservations about the subsidy policy, one thing is certain—it is not helping Nigerians. Continue reading “May We Finally See”
Season of Kegs, Drums and Queues
It is no longer news that petroleum products are currently scarce in Nigeria—an OPEC member and eighth largest producer of crude oil in this planet. The word “scarce” does not tell the full story. “Acute scarcity” portrays a better picture of the situation being faced by the giant of Africa.
Jilomes 