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Thirty-five, 35, Corps members from the 2023 Batch A, Stream II service year in Bayelsa State were on Thursday sanctioned by the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, for various offences against the service code.

DAILY POST gathered that while twenty-one, 21, corps members who committed various offences had their service extended, Fourteen, 14, corps members would repeat their service year.

The NYSC, however, announced that a total of one thousand, seventy-five, 1,075, Corps members who passed out meritoriously served the nation in Bayelsa State for the 2023 Batch A, Stream II service year have been discharged and issued their certificates of national service.

 

The State Coordinator, Mrs Okpalifo Obiageli Charity, during the low-key presentation of Certificates to Corps members, congratulated the corps members on the successful completion of the 2023 Batch A stream 2 service year.

She commended the corps members for their immeasurable contributions to the state during their service years.

She also commended the corps employers, traditional rulers and various host communities across the state for providing a conducive environment for corps members to serve the nation in the state.

Some corps members who distinguished themselves during the service year were rewarded with certificates of commendation.

While wishing them the best in their future endeavours, she enjoined those who took advantage of the SAED training programmes to put them to maximum use for their self-reliance and become employers of labour.

She thanked the NYSC staff who have mentored, supervised and monitored the corps members in their various places of primary and secondary assignments.

[DailyPost]

 
 

A28-year-old travel content creator, Pelumi Nubi, who embarked on a solo road trip from London has arrived in Lagos.

She was received at the Nigeria-Benin Republic border on behalf of Lagos State Government by Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka and the Special Adviser, Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe.

Nubi began her journey on January 31 facing various obstacles along the way.

 
 

She survived a crash in March with a video of the wrecked vehicle revealing severe damage to the front and a shattered windshield.

Nubi started from England, crossed into France, Spain and headed to Morocco then through the West Sahara Desert, Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Ghana, Togo, Benin finally  reaching Lagos.

 

The travel content creator in 2022 listed 77 countries she had visited at 27. She has reached over 80 out of the 193 countries in the world.

With respect to her adventure, Nubi wanted to show the world that “impossible” is just a word while adding that when one has enough grit and determination, impossibility would be overlooked.

Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Lagos Governor on Sunday, tweeted: “Lagos State Government gives a hero’s welcome to @peluminubi_, a Nigeria-British citizen who who did a solo drive from London to Lagos.

“Pelumi was received at the Nigeria-Benin Republic border on behalf of Lagos State Government by the Hon Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka and the Special Adviser, Tourism, Arts and Culture @IdrisConnecting.

Welcome home!”

[TheNation]

 

The abductors of the two students of the Federal University Wukari in Taraba State are demanding a ransom of N50m in exchange for the freedom of the students.

The Head of Information and Protocol Unit of the institution, Mrs. Ashu Agbu, disclosed this in a telephone conversation with journalists on Sunday.

“The abductors revealed that they came for the owner of the eatery and not his staff and will return to get him.

“They are demanding a ransom of N50m to free the two students. Since the incident, security agencies and youths of the area are combing the surrounding forests and bush paths to apprehend the kidnappers and will not relent until the students are rescued alive and safe,” she said.

Agbu hinted that an expanded meeting will be held on Monday, April 8 with security agencies, and local, state, and Federal Government representatives, to find a lasting solution to the insecurity affecting the institution.

Our correspondent reported that about 90 percent of the students and staff of the institution live outside the school premises.

The students were picked on Wednesday, April 3 at about 10:pm at a shop close to the busy area, accommodating students staying outside the school premises.

[Punch]

Modupeorelouwa, daughter of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has tied the knot with her lover, Oladele.

 

The white wedding took place a week after their traditional wedding.

 

The union was solemnised at the Cathedral Church of Christ in Lagos by the Anglican Bishop of Lagos, Rt. Revd. Ifedola Okupevi.

The wedding was attended by dignitaries, including Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu; Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State; Senator Hope Uzodimma of Imo State; Dr. Alex Otti of Abia State; Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State; Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State; and former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, among others.

 

Vanguard News

 

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, says Nigeria needs to invest more aggressively in the health sector.

In a statement to commemorate the 2024 World Health Day, Obi said health remains critical to human development.

He noted that as one of the critical measures of the human development index, health contributes immeasurably to the development of the humans and the progress of a nation.

He said Nigeria’s “poor investment” in the health sector has continued to manifest in many ways.

 

“Our obvious neglect of our health sector, especially the primary health sector has continued to result in so many unpleasant outcomes for the nation,” he said.

“With Nigeria ranking 14th out of the 18 African countries with poor health systems and also ranking 157th out of the 167 countries measured on health systems, we need to invest more aggressively in the health sector.

“We are today, among the countries with the highest infant mortality rates. The current life expectancy in Nigeria is 56 years, obviously among the lowest in the world.

 

“Healthcare in Nigeria is increasingly becoming out of the reach of most Nigerians due to its high cost.

“Our budget of N1.3 trillion for the health sector, in a country of about 218 million people, is still not enough to make a serious impact in the sector and still falls below the 15 percent commitment specified in the 2001 Abuja Declaration.

“With the continual decline in our health sector, we need to make more aggressive investments that will improve the lives of the people.

“Aside the negative impacts on the citizens of our lack of investment in the health sector, the attendant capital flight arising from health tourism remains worrisome.

 

“It is reported that Nigerians spend over $1.5bn on Medical Tourism Annually. Such a volume of funds, if retained in our economy would have impacted positively on the nation and helped us to save the much-needed foreign exchange.”

He added that the World Health Day presents another opportunity for leaders to reflect on their vision and prioritise investment in critical areas of human development for the ultimate good and development of the nation.

“The resources wasted on frivolities and unnecessary expenditure should now be invested in health, education and pulling people out of poverty. Our vision in New Nigeria is to build a healthy and productive nation, and it is possible,” he added.

 
[TheCable]
  • Modalities to Deploy Security Boats is priority - Mobereola  

The Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Juan Ignacio Sell has declared that the Spanish Government is desirous to deepen cooperation with Nigeria through further collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA. Ambassador Juan made this declaration while inspecting the two new Bulletproof Security boats, built for NIMASA by a Spanish Company, Aresa. This is just as the Director General of NIMASA Dr. Dayo Mobereola says deploying the vessels is priority. 

Ambassador Juan said, “This is one more milestone in the cooperation between Spain and Nigeria for maritime security. The Spanish government sees Nigeria as prime in attaining security in the Gulf of Guinea.  We also have a naval ship present in the Gulf of Guinea to enhance security. The message from our President back home is for the Embassy to seek more partnership with Nigeria in the Maritime Sector. The creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry by President Bola Tinubu GCFR is a sign that this administration is committed to harnessing the Ocean potentials and Spain is ready to support Nigeria all the way. This is why I came from Abuja to see the DG”, he said. 

On his part, the NIMASA DG noted that Management under his leadership will fast track the deployment of the patrol Boats as soon as possible. He also welcomed the partnership with Spain noting that security in the maritime domain cannot be done in silos. 

“Maritime security cannot be done in silos by any country. Collaboration plays a major role in achieving safety and security in the maritime domain. We appreciate the gesture from the Spanish Government and we will explore areas of collaboration particularly in terms of both human and infrastructural development. We will work out the logistics so that these vessels can be deployed immediately. I am confident that they will be instrumental not just to enhance security in Nigerian waters, but also shore up revenue accruable to the Federal Government as Port calls by vessels will increase, and Fishing in Nigerian Coastal waters will become a major industry in Nigeria.

The 8 passenger, 13.2 meters long Security Boats with a fuel capacity of 3000 liters is fully air-conditioned with a range of 500 Nautical Miles. They are powered with two 2,300 Horsepower outboard engines with a maximum speed of 45 Knots and 25 Knots at cruising speed. NIMASA now has seven fast intervention bulletproof Aresa boats to be deployed soon.

 

Osagie Edward, FNIPR  

Assistant Director/Head, Public Relations

NIMASA 

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

 

April 7, 2024

Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola (right) and the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Juan Ignacio Sell shortly after an inspection of two new Aresa enforcement boats acquired by NIMASA in Lagos.

Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola (right) presenting a souvenir to the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria; His Excellency, Ambassador Juan Ignacio Sell during a visit by the Ambassador to NIMASA headquarters in Lagos.

 

R-L: Executive Director Operations, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi; Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Juan Ignacio Sell; Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, NIMASA, Mr. Jibril Abba and Executive Director, Finance & Administration, NIMASA, Mr. Chudi Offodile. After an inspection of two new Aresa enforcement boats acquired by NIMASA in Lagos.

“Fading away like the stars of the morning,
Losing their light in the glorious sun,
Thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling,
Only remembered by what we have done.”

I am certain that Horatius Bonar, the prince of Scot­tish hymn writ­ers did imagine less as to how this inspirational work of his, will become so famous, centuries after him. Indeed, only minds infected with insanity can argue the contrary with reference to this great hymn of Dr Bonar. Truth be told! Men, women, boys or girls, especially those whose journeys have ended on planet earth, will only be remembered by what they have done, be it good or evil.

The lyrics of this remarkable hymn suggest that we all have our choices as to what we want humanity to remember us for when we are no more. For my dear mentor, master, friend and brother, Barr. Oronto Natei Douglas (OND), he chose the part and path of good. Since 9th April 2015 when Oronto transited to the heavenly realm, friends, acquaintances, family members, relatives and loved ones have continued to remember him for his good works when he lived on earth.

9th April 2024 is Oronto’s ninth memorial. To many of us who had the rare privilege to interact and work closely with this amiable soul, our hearts are heavy with remembrance and reverence for a man who left indelible marks on the landscape of environmental activism, political and social justice in Nigeria. Oronto Douglas, a prominent lawyer, environmentalist, and human rights advocate, continues to be celebrated for his unwavering commitment to defending the rights of marginalized communities and protecting the natural heritage of the Niger Delta region. As Nigerians honor Oronto’s ninth memorial, it's essential to reflect on his remarkable legacy and the enduring impact he had on the land and its people.

Born on the 9th of October 1966, in Okoroba Community of the great Ebela Kingdom of the Ogbia Nation in Southern Nigeria, Oronto Douglas was intimately connected to the land and its people from a young age. As he grew, he learnt about his beautiful environment with kin interest. The more he learned, the deeper he fell in love until he became one with the land. Growing up in the midst of the region's rich biodiversity and witnessing firsthand the social and environmental injustices perpetrated against its inhabitants, he developed a deep sense of responsibility towards both the land and its people. This profound connection shaped his life's work and inspire him to become one of Nigeria's most vocal advocates for environmental sustainability and social equity.

Oronto Douglas's journey as an activist began as a child in his native home of Okoroba and gained momentum during his time as a student at the Rivers University of Science & Technology Port Harcourt, where he became actively involved in Civil Liberty Organization, student politics and grassroots movements advocating for democracy and human rights. It was his passion for justice and equality that led him to pursue a career in law, using the legal system as a tool to fight against oppression and exploitation. However, it was his tireless efforts to address the environmental devastation in the Niger Delta that would define his legacy.

The Niger Delta, often referred to as the "Heart of Nigeria," is a region of immense ecological significance, blessed with abundant natural resources, including oil and gas reserves. Yet, paradoxically, it is also one of the most environmentally degraded and economically impoverished regions in the world, largely due to decades of oil exploration and exploitation by multinational corporations. Douglas was at the forefront of the struggle to hold these corporations accountable for their actions and to demand justice for the communities affected by their operations.

As a founding member of the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Douglas played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the environmental and social impacts of oil extraction in the Niger Delta. Through grassroots mobilization, legal advocacy, and international networking, he effectively challenged the impunity of oil companies and government agencies complicit in environmental degradation and human rights abuses. His efforts helped to galvanize a global movement in support of environmental justice and the rights of indigenous peoples.

Beyond his environmental activism, Douglas was also deeply committed to promoting sustainable development and empowering local communities to assert their rights and assert control over their resources. He believed fervently in the principles of environmental stewardship and community self-determination, advocating for participatory decision-making processes that prioritize the needs and aspirations of ordinary Nigerians. His vision of a just and equitable society where both people and the planet thrive continues to inspire generations of activists and changemakers.

Additionally, OND’s contributions to the enthronement and strengthening of democracy in Nigeria are as significant as his environmental activism. His commitment to justice extended beyond environmental concerns to encompass broader societal issues, including the struggle for democracy and good governance.

In the tumultuous era of military rule in Nigeria, Douglas emerged as a fearless pro-democracy activist, using his legal expertise and grassroots organizing skills to challenge the authoritarian regime of that time. He was actively involved in the pro-democracy movements of the 1990s, which sought to restore democratic governance and respect for human rights in Nigeria.

During the dark days of military dictatorship, Douglas risked his personal safety and freedom to speak truth to power, advocating for the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the rights of citizens to participate in the political process. He played a crucial role in mobilizing civil society groups, student organizations, and other stakeholders in the struggle against military oppression, often at great personal sacrifice. The dictators tried to stop him. They locked him up and tortured him, but once they let him go, he spoke even louder and wrote even stronger against them. Oronto’s words were a great source of strength to the oppressed people of Nigeria. In him, communities and minority groups found their voice.

One of Douglas's most notable contributions to the democratization process in Nigeria was his involvement in the legal defense of political activists and prisoners of conscience including Ken Saro Wiwa. As a human rights lawyer, he provided legal representation to individuals who were detained or persecuted for their opposition to the military regime, ensuring that their voices were heard and their rights protected in the face of state repression.

Moreover, OND was among those instrumental in advocating for electoral reform and the establishment of democratic institutions that would uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and electoral integrity. He recognized that free and fair elections were essential for the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria and tirelessly campaigned for electoral justice and reforms that would ensure the people's right to choose their leaders without interference or manipulation.

Following the transition to civilian rule in 1999, Douglas continued his efforts to strengthen democracy in Nigeria by monitoring elections, promoting civic education, and advocating for political participation among marginalized groups, including women and youth. He understood that democracy is not merely about holding elections but also about fostering a culture of democratic governance, respect for human rights, and inclusive development.

In addition to his grassroots activism, Douglas also served in various official capacities within the Nigerian government, including as a Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Research, Documentation and Strategy. In this role, he worked to promote good governance, transparency, and accountability in the administration while advocating for policies that would benefit the Nigerian people, particularly those in marginalized communities.

Oronto Douglas's dedication to democracy and human rights in Nigeria earned him admiration and respect both at home and abroad. His unwavering commitment to justice, coupled with his courage and integrity, made him a beacon of hope for all those who yearned for a democratic and egalitarian society. Though he may no longer walk among us, his legacy continues to inspire Nigerians to strive for a future where democracy thrives, and the rights and dignity of all citizens are upheld.

The man Oronto was a man of the land and the people. His love for the land was to the extent that everywhere he travelled to, he took his love with him such that strangers were drawn to the land, and they saw what he saw and felt what he felt. He fought for the land and the oppressed people of Nigeria. He fought with words and not the bullet. He spoke and wrote, and the world heard from him about the wicked attacks on the land and its people.

In his works, children were given their pride of place and honour. He built and equipped schools with modern facilities for them. The objective was to create an enabling environment for teaching and learning so that the children would grow to use words like him in continuation of the call for environmental and social justice. He gathered the entertainers and artists of the land and provided a stage for plays and songs to be written about the land.

Oronto Douglas's untimely passing on the 9th of April 2015 robbed Nigeria of one of its most passionate voices for justice and sustainability. However, his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched and the enduring impact of his advocacy. As we commemorate his ninth memorial, let us not only honor his memory but also recommit ourselves to the ideals for which he so passionately fought. The struggle for environmental justice and human rights in the Niger Delta and beyond continues, and Oronto Douglas's legacy serves as a guiding light for all those who dare to dream of a better world.Top of Form

In the words of Dimeari Von Kemedi, “Once there lived a man, Oronto Natei Douglas, we called him OND and he really lived”.

May the Almighty God continue to rest OND’s soul in perfect peace and uphold his family in safety and progress.

 

Engr. (Chief) Ipigansi Okumo is the Chairman of the Ogbia Brotherhood Unity Branch – Abuja & Northern Nigeria, and a member of the Ogbia Study Group. He worked with Oronto Douglas for about two decades.

 

 

 

No fewer than 5043 secondary school learners in Ogun State Students have been trained on how to use the abacus counting machine skills to solve addition and subtraction Mathematical problems, so as to enable them to break the world record. 

The programme organised by International Academy For The Gifted (IAGIFTED), in collaboration with Ogun State Government, held at Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Giving an insight to the programme, the wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun said it is imperative to encourage learners to adopt usage of abacus skills for mathematical calculations, noting that it would not only enable them compete favourably with their mates in other nation of the world but also take our educational system to a higher pedestal. 

Mrs. Bamidele noted that Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) education is only essential tool for personal and professional development for driving innovation and economic goals, hence the reason for Prince Dapo Abiodun government's commitment towards ensuring that every child have access to effective STEAM teaching.

The First Lady of Ogun State described education as the key to unlocking the potentials of the youths and empowering them to become agent of change in the society.

Mrs. Abiodun said "I extend my heartfelt thanks to the organiser of this very special programme, Prof. Adewale Solarin, which was to commemorate his 70th Birthday Celebration for the vision in championing STEAM education and for putting Ogun State on the world field. I am pledging my full support to this great vision of yours." 

In his speech, the Commissioner for Education, Science & Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu submitted that Prof. Solarin was acadmia par excellence, due to his academic prowess and expertise, can be referred to as Grand Father in academics, because he has nurtured and produce Professors, who have also mentor other Professors and PhD holders, appreciating him for his greatness, unrelenting efforts and a shared vision.

 Speaking, The Vice Chancellor, Tai Solarin University of Education, Prof. Oluwole Banjo affirmed that the feat Prof. Solarin have recorded in his chosen field, and his contribution to National Development will forever remain indelible, praying God to continue to shower his blessings on him and grant him the grace to enjoy the fruits of his labour in good health and sound mind.

Responding, the visioneer of the programme and Chairman IAGIFTED, Professor Solarin explained that the selected over 5000 learners were gathered to have Largest Mathematics Lesson Class, as well as teaching them on the simultaneous usage of Asian Abacus with both hands, in order to develop both sides of their brain in solving Mathematical problems, saying the event was organised to mark his 70th birthday and retirement from active academic service. 

The highlight of the programme includes competition on usage of abacus, where Master Isaac Rilwan and Miss Damaris Oyediran won the male and female categories respectively and were presented with trophies as King and Queen of STEAM.

 

No doubt, the over-arching need to reform the Nigerian Civil Service for general efficiency was long tardy. Apart from being largely over-bloated, the service known as a hub for administrative dexterity and excellence over the years is now a shadow of itself. It has become a centre for mediocrity known for promoting nepotism. To make matters worse various policies of government leading to duplication of Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have further pushed the cost of governance to all time high. The time-tested rules guiding the service was recklessly circumvented and the worse eventually took the shine off the system. For the above reasons and more, former President Goodluck Jonathan inaugurated the Presidential Committee on the Rationalisation and Restructuring of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies to streamline the operations of MDAs in 2012. Stephen Oronsaye, the then Head of Service of the federation was appointed head of the committee. 
 
The terms of reference included:  (a) study and review all previous reports and records on the restructuring of Federal Parastatals and advise on whether they were still relevant; (b) examine the enabling Acts of all the Federal Agencies, Parastatals and Commissions and classify them into various sectors; (c) examine critically, the mandate of the existing Federal Agencies, Parastatals and Commissions and determine areas of overlap or duplication of functions and make appropriate recommendations to either restructure, merge or scrap some to eliminate such overlaps, duplications or redundancies; and (d) advise on any other matter incidental to the foregoing which might be relevant to the desire of Government to prune down the cost of governance. 
 
Expectedly, the committee's 800-page report   recommended the scrapping of some agencies and merger of 220 out of the then-existing 541 government parastatals. This means that if the report was implemented then, more than 100 heads and many staff of agencies and parastatals would  have lost their jobs. It also recommended the reduction of statutory agencies from 263 to 161 as well as the abolition of 38 agencies, the merger of 52 and the reversion of 14 to departments in ministries. The document proposed the audit of 89 agencies with biometric capture of staff as well as cessation of government funding of professional bodies and councils. 
 
The report revealed that government would save over N862 billion between 2012 and 2015 when implemented. The above expected savings is tied to the combined allocation accruable to agencies penciled down for scrapping or merger. At the end, a white paper committee set up afterwards by Jonathan’s administration rejected most of the recommendations, while those accepted were not even implemented. It seemed Goodluck Jonathan intentionally kept the report in view as a result of the public outcry against it and the backlash it could generate if fully implemented. Muhammadu Buhari never remembered such a report existed. He carefully shied away from implementing the recommendations considering the adverse effect it will bring to bear on the society. 
 
The federal civil service is the key driver of the overall policy actions of government. And a productive civil service is the administrative pride of every nation. However, the resurrection of Oronsanye's report as a measure for cutting down the cost of governance does not seem to be the best of decisions. There is every need for cautious optimism on the side of government before implementation of the committee's report. In fact, government should step down the implementation of the report. The nation cannot tolerate any further adverse policies and reforms that will compound the woes of citizens. More emphasis should be laid on promoting the culture of merit, hard work, discipline, transparency, professionalism and good work ethics to achieve the envisaged results. One recurring decimal which halted the implementation of the report by previous administrations was the constant feature of job loss. 
 
Any reforms mostly targeted at rationalisation of the staff serves no better purpose. In fact, majority of Nigerians saw the Oronsaye's Committee as one primarily constituted to find reasons to lay off staff in the federal civil service. The priority of government at this critical juncture should be to focus on creating jobs and a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. Labour unions, civil society groups and well meaning Nigerians had kicked and are kicking against implementation of the report citing the same negative effects of jobs loss that comes with it.
 
Before moving on with administering this bitter pill which will throw more Nigerians into poverty and misery, it is hoped that this burning issue of job loss will be addressed accordingly. Government is also challenged to pay living wage and stabilise the ailing economy. Majority of Nigerians are battling to survive the adverse effects of high cost of living occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy, electricity tariff review, hasty and externally induced implementation of monetary and fiscal policies. Therefore, disengaging those already working in the name of reform when there is obvious high unemployment rate in the country is insensitive. 
 
The private sector is already in troubled waters. According to reports, more than 15 multinational companies have left Nigeria on account of poor ease of doing business and rising cost of production. The Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN) has also reported that about 767 manufacturing companies shut down operations while 335 experienced distress in 2023. This goes with the attendant consequence of job loss. The negative effect this brings to bear on the entire society is better imagined than experienced. The amount of money government hopes to save going forward with the report is nothing compare to the pain this implementation will inflict on the society and discontent it will generate. The uncommon patience of Nigerians should not be taken for granted. 
 
Government whose responsibility it is to find solutions to the economic quagmire should not stoke the fire of disengaging staff in any guise with its hands. If government is serious about good governance, fiscal discipline and onslaught against corruption, it has to begin with the president and other top government officials. Honest and deliberate plans to stem the tide of endemic corruption in the federal civil service should top the agenda of reforms. Lack of discipline, hard work and integrity which has become the bane of civil service should be reformed.
 
Almost, if not all the MDAs were established by Act of the National Assembly, therefore, it is pertinent to confer with the Assembly for legislative action if need be before implementation to achieve the desired result and for better consensus building. The minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the federation, Lateef Fagbemi who leads the implementation team should critically reflect on the general societal dislocation this implementation will throw up and the ripple effect on citizenry. 
 
 
Sunday Onyemaechi Eze is a Media and Development Communication Specialist. He writes via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and can be reached on 08060901201
 
 

Strangely this essay had its foundations in 1968 and was in its original form published in the old Daily Times. Writing under the topic 'THE EDUCATION WE WANT MUST HAVE TECHNICAL BIAS' Tai Solarin said "I have been asked to say briefly what I think of our education now and in the future.

Quite strange that we are already in that future and we still do not know what kind of education we want to run, is it Universal Basic, or Universal Primary, is it Unity Schools owned by government or the Unity schools owned by Businessmen that want to declare profit after each academic calendar year rather than improve the quality of students and teachers and the education dispensed.

In 1968 Solarin wrote "A good many of us spat on the education we had yesterday, and ofcourse what passes for education today. And there is, certainly, a stratum of our society that looks back, nostalgically, at the quality of yesterday's education". How many of us today can argue that this is not the truth, even the generation that had its education in 1990 now looks back with nostalgia.

In 1968, he opined that by and large, most of us believed that there was very much missing in the content of our yesterdays' education. What we have today, in spite of innovations and the bold attempts to re-orientate it, remains, as it was yesterday, orthodox, slow foot, myopic.

It is 2024, can we honestly call the situation any better, rather after the billions of Naira committed at a rate incomparable, the system, the sector is more slow foot, myopic and orthodox than then.

Our educational system today only sharpens the head to near pin end quality and this is even rare but it also makes the possessors limb atrophied by long disuse. Our education is money centered. It is an education which goads the possessor asking "what can my country do for me?" not as J.F.Kennedy requests immortally, "what can I do for my country?

In 2024, we are left to define the quality of education we want for tomorrow when our peers have gone far in Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, neighboring Ghana has even refused to wait for us.

Solarin had asked that we bring functionality into our education. He said that "There is, I think, only one significant thing we want in our education for tomorrow-FUNCTION. That we arm our children with functional education" In my words, today the education is not functional, we have unemployable graduates, and my apologies, totally useless school leavers.

While Tai anchored his stand on State owned schools as an atheist, I advocate government's participation as a matter of social contract and responsibility to the people. That way we could boast an education that 'LIVES'.

Do we have an education in which a possessor wants to elevate the less privileged that surge him round, the answer is no. Today what is the value of the education given to a young man who lives or is doing his mandatory service year in a guinea worm infested area and yet is incapable of causing a revolution in the lives of the villagers by transforming their drinking water into healthy supply? Today every graduate desires Shell, Chevron, MTN, GTBank and the rest jostle for pensionable Ministry jobs; excluding those not in politics as educated thugs.

What is the use of education given in physics to a young girl when the lights go out; she does not know what to do to get light again. In Nigerian education, how many graduates can carry aloft an oasis of light, very few because the education is short on quality and is therefore poor? 

We are of the opinion that our education should be one that gives the 3-Rs Reading, Writing and Rithmetic. During the formative years, our kids should be made to know that they are members of a society to which they owe so much not the present Tokunboh arrangement, they must be initiated into all the faculties of operations carried out by adults only that sadly and unfortunately the operations of this generation is corruption.

The bitter truth is that we are reeling out nonsense from our Primary stage to the highest level of education. We are cursed with a leadership that is at loss to what the cure is. We have developed a set of students whose parents bribe up the academic ladder because teachers will teach nonsense after all. Our schools today at best are filled with frustrated persons that are still holding the chalk for lack of what to do next. Every year no one is really taking stock of the number of University manpower leaving the shores of this nation never to return and we just sit and term it brain drain, when in truth it has become a complete DRAIN, brain and belly, soul and spirit.

Today, how many young people want to go home and at the beginning of the year cut the bush in readiness for the New Year’s planting; making of garri or pounding the yam or preparing the 'ewedu' soup? If these children do not participate how can they be integrated into the society, if all the values they see are big cars, big mansion, how they integrate should not be surprising.

We cannot guarantee any form of free education, most Governors have turned state bursary allocations into political tools, that is when it is not intelligently and crookedly sent to England to buy a mansion in cash.  Government at the center is confused, one minute it is a 6-3-3-4 system, now we hear it would be 9-3-4, only Allah knows if the next one won’t be 16-16-16. 

Till this moment no one has explained the rationale behind the change, the merits or otherwise why we had to abandon the last system which was barely practiced for a decade plus. A nation that jokes with the education of its youth and its citizens would have itself to blame not just in the future but in the immediate.

Today, agricultural science is a theoretical subject and schools do not even have farms any more, University of Agriculture takes more students for law than Agricultural Extension courses.

Why do we like to lie to ourselves.I never will know, I can authoritatively tell you that in the whole of Plateau State, Abia, Kano and Osun States by random sampling no public school has a functional up to date complete computer unit, internet with functional printers, and Governors will tell you how they have transverse from Galilee to Riyadh in improving education and the government at the center is preaching info-tech and AI.

Parents do not even know what their wards are doing in school; “let me see your homework” is now a strange phrase in families. Who really cares, the Ibos to Alaba in droves, and our Yoruba brothers to the mechanic workshop and how about us in the North, it is worse because our leaders are fighting for a place at the center. 

There are no apprentices by calling but because of a lack of choice. An uneducated populace is one of the recipes for catastrophic socio-eco-political, cultural and steady decline, a nation where anything will always go. 

The Boarding system in which was the best is gradually fading or negatively modernized, it was where we learnt to queue up, collect our food, sit down at prescribed tables and organize the cleaning of those tables; washing up by all who partook of the food. It was a system that inculcated in students honesty PROMAX!

So, very recently one of my adult sons, was at the park, having dropped his friend off to board a vehicle to Abuja, he was accosted by a deaf and dumb woman who asked for a token, I am sure many of us must have experienced them. He dipped his hands into his pocket and gave her a token, and as he walked into his car. He heard the woman say “Thank you”!

The words of Tai Solarin should conclude this essay..."the education being given to our children today, will give us a newer and nobler Nigeria." If that today was 1968, suffice to say that there is a problem in the land educationally with the kind of education being given in 2024 where dumb people speak— May Nigeria win!