The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Urgent need for mass transportation

    Urgent need for mass transportation

    • By Elvis Eromosele

    Sir: In recent years, the cost of transportation, like everything else, has skyrocketed, putting immense pressure on citizens. This surge is not just a local issue, but one deeply intertwined with national and global factors. The removal of fuel subsidies, the devaluation of the naira, and the volatile nature of international oil prices have all contributed to an unprecedented rise in petrol costs—from N185 per litre before the subsidy removal to a staggering N900, on average. This hike in transportation costs has left many Nigerians struggling, particularly in urban centres where daily commutes are unavoidable.

    For a country where many rely on public transportation to navigate their daily lives, the surge in petrol prices has had a ripple effect. Transportation costs have risen in direct correlation with fuel prices, affecting everything from the price of goods in local markets to the overall cost of living. Public transport fares have doubled, in some cases tripled, in a matter of months, further straining the pockets of average Nigerians who are already grappling with inflation and economic uncertainty.

    The removal of fuel subsidies—while a necessary economic policy to stem the haemorrhaging of government funds—has nonetheless increased the financial burden on everyday Nigerians. Furthermore, the devaluation of the naira has diminished citizens’ purchasing power, leading to higher costs of imported goods and services, including vehicle parts and maintenance for public transport. These issues are compounded by the fluctuations in the global oil market, leaving Nigerians at the mercy of global economic shifts beyond their control.

    Government intervention is required to address the escalating costs of transportation. One immediate solution is to invest heavily in mass transportation schemes that are affordable, reliable, and widely accessible to all citizens. The government must explore and expand existing transportation systems to relieve a population already reeling from inflationary pressures.

    In Lagos, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is a commendable initiative that has provided affordable transport for millions of residents. However, the need for an extension of BRT corridors to cover more areas of the state and increase capacity is urgent. Expanding the BRT network will ease the traffic burden on roads, reduce the cost of transportation for more residents, and provide a reliable alternative to expensive private vehicle ownership or commercial buses, which are now charging exorbitant fares due to rising fuel costs.

    Other states must take a leaf from Lagos’s book. The success of mass transit schemes like the BRT shows that with proper planning and investment, efficient public transport systems can provide significant relief to citizens. States like Kano, Rivers, and Kaduna, among others, should look into creating their mass transit systems, tailored to the unique needs and topography of their regions. By doing this, these states can mitigate the transportation crisis and help lower the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

    Read Also: Nigeria to save N5.4tr from subsidy removal in 2024, says Abiodun

    Beyond implementing new mass transit systems, there is also an urgent need to maintain and expand existing public transportation infrastructure. Roads need to be repaired and properly maintained, and there must be investment in modern vehicles, which are more fuel-efficient and less prone to breakdowns. Additionally, alternative fuel sources such as compressed natural gas (CNG) should be explored, as they offer a cheaper, more environmentally friendly alternative to petrol.

    The reality is that a well-developed mass transportation system is not a luxury; it is a necessity. At a time when citizens are being squeezed financially from all sides, the government must provide a safety net. Affordable and reliable public transport can play a crucial role in reducing the cost of living and making life more manageable for millions of Nigerians. This is particularly important in urban areas, where many rely on public transport to commute to work, access essential services, and maintain their livelihoods.

    By investing in mass transportation, the government can also reduce road congestion, lower the demand for fuel, and promote a more sustainable, environmentally friendly mode of transport. Moreover, mass transit schemes will create jobs, stimulate local economies, and contribute to the overall development of Nigeria’s infrastructure.

    The government should also explore expanding transportation options. It could consider introducing monorails and, where suitable, water transport systems like ferries.

    Now, more than ever, there is an urgent need for government intervention to address this issue. Mass transit systems offer a sustainable and effective solution to the transportation crisis, providing relief for residents and easing the financial burden caused by inflation.

    •Elvis Eromosele,

    elviseroms@gmail.com

  • Nigeria @64: Still searching for good leadership

    Nigeria @64: Still searching for good leadership

    • By Ibrahim Mustapha

    Sir: Nigeria will tomorrow mark 64 years of independence. At 64, it has been one lamentation to other from Nigerians. India which attained political independence the same date with Nigeria has developed economically and politically, while Nigeria is still lagging behind in all aspects of human development.

    After Nigeria obtained independence on October 1, 1960, it adopted parliamentary democracy with regional governments. It is trite to say that the country’s road to political and socio-economic development was built by first generation leaders who despite their political differences put their people and the country at the front burner.

    After 64 years of independence, Nigerians are still celebrating and reflecting the exemplary leadership qualities displayed by the likes of Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna of Sokoto), Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo and Tafawa Balewa of blessed memory. All the four regions under their purposeful leadership witnessed massive socioeconomic development, ranging from infrastructure development, agricultural revolution to educational rebirth. There was an intense competition between the regions with each one tried to outshine one another in a competitive manner.

    Until the military incursion in 1966 which terminated the First Republic, ruined and shattered the dream of better Nigeria, the country looked promising with all sign of greatness attached to it. Added to the catalogue of Nigeria’s woes was the civil war that dragged the country into murky water of uncertainty and deep suspicion. Today, the evil spirit of 1966 coup d’état and civil war is still haunting the country. Though, successive military regimes had put various measures to heal the wound arising from the ashes of past mistakes through creation of states and other programmes to promote national unity and cohesion, Nigeria is still battling with lack of unity, ethnic baiting and deep suspicion among its diverse ethnic religious composition. In recent time, there have been subtly moves by some ethnic or regional warriors to agitate for separatism. At 64, Nigeria’s peace, unity and development are being threatened by some dark forces.

    Nigeria’s 64 years of independence coincides with 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in the country. It is still debatable, whether our 25 years democratic journey has positively impacted the lives of over 220 million Nigerians or not. For instance, World Poverty Clock estimated that over 133 million Nigerians are multi-dimensional poor. The numbers may have increased with the twin policies of fuel subsidy removal and floating of naira.

    Read Also: Fed Govt okays N350b to support dams, irrigation facilities, says minister

    Despite the facts, Nigeria is blessed with abundant human and natural resources, it’s pace of development has remained low due to corruption entrenched by our political leaders. These leaders across the three levels of government have been accused for mismanagement of resources meant for development. In the last 64 years of independence, billions of dollars that have accrued to the country as revenues have been squandered. It is sad to note that the leadership recruitment process is riddled with lack of transparency leading to the emergence of unprepared and corrupt leaders.

    For the country to catch up with other developed countries, it needs to redefine its leadership recruitment process and improve governance by adopting a transformational leadership approach, which prioritizes the nation’s interests over personal gains. This style of leadership focuses on inspiring and empowering citizens to work towards a common goal. It seeks to strengthen institutions and ensuring they are independent and effective in checking corruption and promote good governance.  That leadership style seeks to implement measures to increase transparency and accountability, such as open budgets and regular audits, encouraging active citizen participation in governance through education and inclusive decision-making processes and above all implementing policies that promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and address inequality.

    By consciously adopting these strategies, Nigeria’s leadership can improve governance, promote economic growth, and enhance the well-being of its citizens.

    • Ibrahim Mustapha,

     Pambegua, Kaduna State.

  • Maduro’s Christmas

    Maduro’s Christmas

    When is it Christmas typically across the world? You may wonder if that isn’t  a dumb question, since everyone knows Christmas is a yearly festival that falls on 25th December. If you would make allowance for the entire season of Yuletide, you could say all of December is game for celebration. But have you ever envisaged Christmas kicking in from October? Come along to Venezuela for that experience.

    President Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s authoritarian leader, recently ordered Santa Claus in for his country from the beginning of October, this year. Coming from a contentious presidential election in his country that he claimed to have won whereas the Venezuelan opposition, neighbouring southern American nations and the United States of America refused to recognise the victory arguing that he stole it, Maduro announced early Christmas festivities for his compatriots by presidential fiat. “This year and to honor you all, to thank you all, I am going to decree the beginning of Christmas on October 1,” he told Venezuelan people in his weekly television address, adding: “Christmas arrived early for everyone, in peace, joy and security!”

    Read Also: Fed Govt okays N350b to support dams, irrigation facilities, says minister

    The Venezuelan leader perhaps needs the festivity mood more than anyone else to ease his own embattlement. He faces pressure at home and abroad over the July presidential poll victory that few countries in the world recognise – significantly, not so Venezuela’s opposition coalition, neighbouring south American governments and the U.S. that have insisted on verifying officially announced results with parallel computations. Besides, it was recently that U.S. authorities announced the seizure of a Venezuelan aircraft used by Maduro for international travels in the Dominican Republic after determining that its acquisition was in violation of sanctions by Washington, among other criminal charges. The American government got Dominican Republic courts to demobilise the aircraft while on their territory and flew it back to Florida, alleging it was illegally procured through a shell company and smuggled out of the United States for use by Maduro and his cronies.

    Early Christmas is big deal in Venezuela because the festivity period often comes with extra bonuses for public service employees and more lavish gifts in government handouts. Reports said it wasn’t the first time Maduro was using the gesture as  an administrative largesse to the citizenry, but this is his earliest start date yet for the holiday. Only that critical stakeholders weren’t on board his train. Among them, the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference protested the declaration, warning that the religious holiday should not be used for politics or propaganda. “Christmas commences on December 25,” the group asserted in a statement. But it may be Maduro needs Santa to bring him a new aircraft before then.

  • Nigeria at 64: the road to renewed hope

    Nigeria at 64: the road to renewed hope

    By Allison Abanum

    All eyes have always been on the most populous black Nation on Earth since Independence. Nigeria  Provided leadership and enormous support to the United Nations peacekeeping missions in Congo and other countries. It led the movement for the end to apartheid rule in Southern African countries, including South Africa, Northern Rhodesia ( Zambia) and Southern Rhodesia ( Zimbabwe). It supported other liberation movements, including those of Namibia, Angola, Mozambique and Western Sahara.

    Inwardly, Nigerians are beautiful people. We love life. We love people. Where you find bigotry, you can also find tolerance among Nigerians; where there is hate; there is love, and where there is tension; there is also good neighbourliness. Even under the cumulus of ethnic tonguefire, we do not relent in helping one another when the occasion demands it.

    But unfortunately at sixty four, Nigeria is still not  where she ought to be. We must understand that as a Great contry we have both known and unknown enemies, we must understand that foreign business interest have taken part of our economy. Nigeria is saddled with an insidious reality, plaqued by home-grown enemy: the political ineptitude, mediocrity, indiscipline, ethnic bigotry,etc. And it is valid that the Bola Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda is the only way to open up the Political and Economic process to every Nigerian.

    President Bola Tinubu is a brave leader that needs our  prayers and support If we truly want a Mental and Moral reorientation. His “Renewed Hope Agenda” is a social revolution that flows from a reborn mind. Mental reorientation produces a decent moral consciousness and when it is on a massive scale, society will change.

    Read Also: It is time for a marshall plan for Northern Nigeria

    Bola Tinubu is leading a National integration and it’s benefits can  be realised only with the entrenchment of a supportive public culture.  Nigerians must understand, respect and tolerate differences occasioned by socio-cultural diversity and also develop new institutions and mechanisms that address poverty, revenue allocation and other national issues peacefully.

    The Bola Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda is gradually transforming Nigeria potentials into success and the Renewed Hope Agenda is taking a right turn per second in the middle of nowhere to find it’s bearing. This explains the so many Tough decisions taken by the Tinubu led Federal Govt.

    But in a democracy, the most important office is not the office of the president, it’s the office of the citizen and so, Nigerians must be brave because Fortunes only favour the brave. But we must also remember that restoring systems alone will not, overnight, make the country a success.

    This is not a time to bemoan all the challenges ahead. It is a time to work at developing, nurturing and sustaining democracy as a people.  But we also must realize that we need patience and cannot expect instant miracles. Building strong institutions is not something a people do in one year, in a few years, even. The Chinese had their chance to emerge as the leading nation in the world in the middle Ages, but were consumed by interethnic political posturing and protests, and had to wait another 500 years for another chance. The United States of America did not arrive at it’s much admired democracy and institutions overnight.

    As a people we must stop to abide in wilful fatalism. We must stop seeing only doom and gloom about Nigeria. We must stop making cynical projections on our country and stop holding up to ridicule narrative. We must stop saturating public discourse with

    blood, sorrow and tears as if there is no ” light, love and life” in any corner of the country. While we cannot attenuate the staggering challenges gnawing at the country, it will be defeatist to say there is no hope in this tempest . It will be cynical of any Nigerian to say it is all rain and no sunshine.

    No leader wants to fail and Bola Tinubu has made it clear that ” Their is no room for Excuses”.  Today is not the day to tell us that Bola Tinubu has ended the era of fuel subsidy for the interest of the Economy, Today is not the day to discuss how Bola Tinubu led Federal Govt took all the State Governors to the supreme court just to get Local Govt Autonomy, Today is not the day to elaborate on the Legacy projects of Bola Tinubu, Today is not the day to give details of how foreign investments are flowing into Nigeria under Bola Tinubu,  Today is not the day to share any form of Bola Tinubu’s achievement in office.  Today is for Celebrating Renewed Hope and Celebrating Nigeria at Sixty four. Happy Independence Day Nigeria!

    • Abanum writes from Orogun, Delta State

  • Sokoto: weaponisation of fake news

    Sokoto: weaponisation of fake news

    By Tahir Ibrahim Tahir

    Fake news has become so weaponised today and it is practically taking over the media space of both conventional and online media. The presence of online and social media have made it so potent that in a matter of seconds, fake and concocted news take over the media space.

    The gullible public hops on it and it is shared endlessly. It’s potency and viral strength drowns any other source of information and it is accepted as the truth. It is more than a herculean task to counter fake news and give detailed or truthful accounts of events already marred by fake news.

    This fake news industry is sadly not limited to Nigeria or Africa alone, it has become a worldwide phenomenon and even the present build up to the American elections has both democratic and republican campaigns manipulating fake news to their own benefits. Headlines are set up as click baits, cornering readers to accept the fallacious headlines without even reading the contents. Most times the contents of the click baits are as damaging as the headlines. It is only safe for one to make clear judgements over a news item after 48 hours, as numerous other versions spring up. 48 hours also gives enough time for the subject or object of the fake news to put issues or matters more clearly.

    I’ve seen how damaging fake news can be from the recent face off between Sokoto state govt and the opposition PDP. The opposition pushed a viral story about the govt awarding a contract of 30 billion for street fencing. The media space was agog with castigations and even abuses, as to why such a bogus contract for street fencing when the populace is wallowing in poverty.

    Shouldn’t it be invested in agriculture and youth employment? The Sokoto govt was ‘beaten’ to a pulp from both online and offline commentary. Lo and behold, the state govt produced the award letter of the fencing contract. The amount? N866 million naira. How do you take the public’s mind off the 30 billion earlier spewed around? The damage has been done already and the earlier 30 billion which suits the narrative of the opposition takes centre stage.

    Read Also: It is time for a marshall plan for Northern Nigeria

    This is coming just a week after another contract controversy in the state. This was over the World Bank/Sokoto Acresal project which was awarded at 1.2 billion. Yes the Governor did not cover the entire items covered by the programme, and this gave the opposition another avenue to malign the govt over frivolous spending. The World bank project is a universal project which is carried out in all the states.

    The costs are the same. The opposition went viral with the news that 1.2 billion was expended in the repair of boreholes. No matter how hard the state tried in correcting this fake news, it’s efforts kept being drowned by public outcry and the opposition’s dance over the incorrect information making the rounds. The state tried to explain that solar motorised boreholes were constructed with perimeter fencing, and an additional shelter belt in 25 different locations. But it was almost like crying over spilt milk, the damage had been done. The 30 billion fencing news came just at the back of the borehole controversy, clearly in an effort to ride on the heat of the public ire generated by the World bank/ Sokoto state govt Acresal project.

    A former adviser of the Federal Govt when to press with the news that 69 billion dollars of Nigeria’s stolen funds is stashed away by an individual in various banks. How? What was Nigeria’s total oil revenue in the last administration’s tenure? So Nigerians have perfected the art of throwing bogus figures to gaslight the public into believing the narratives they intend to sell. The said adviser had fallen out with the former administration and he was relieved of his duties. What way to fight back? Create fake and incriminating information about the previous govt. The way the media space, especially online media, are allowed to run the space with fake and concocted news items leaves much to be desired.

    It has to be regulated properly. One’s right to free speech should not infringe on the rights of the next person, not to talk of abusing, denigrating or incriminating them. Public opinion is usually in adversity to the way govt policies and programmes are run. Public opinion is therefore gullible and ready to be taken for manipulation.

    Sokoto is having a hard time putting out the proper records out there, especially with a hardline opposition that is manipulating the media space. So it has to change it’s approach towards handling the scourge of fake news trying to consume it.

  • Youths are still targets of extortion

    Youths are still targets of extortion

    • By Pius Okaneme

    Sir: The youths in Nigeria are targets of extortion by the army and the police. The checkpoints mounted along various roads have become stops to intimidate young people into surrendering their money. The army and the police will look into transport vehicles at the road blocks and point to decent looking young boys and ask them to come out. They will ask them to disembark from the vehicle with their backpacks. They will point them to walk to a corner in the case of the police, and the army will walk them into their vehicle.

    Recently, on my trip through Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State, the vehicle I was traveling in stopped at the army checkpoint. The driver demanded that all passengers follow the routine of coming out of the vehicle at the beginning of the checkpoint and walk beyond the cordoned area. Most passengers take the inconvenience of this activity in stride as they see it as a chance to stretch their legs. Hawkers surround the area to appeal to the tired and hungry passengers to patronize their merchandise.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s plan to rejig cabinet excites ex-agitator

    We all converged at the other end of the checkpoint waiting for the driver to come through. The bus pulled over and most passengers started to go in to take their seat only for the driver to come out and walk toward the back of the vehicle. It was evident that he was not going there to ease himself. Some passengers were getting impatient. A lady then said, “Were you not aware that the soldier asked the young passenger to come out of the bus?”

    Everybody waited for about 30 minutes until the passenger returned. He said that the soldier took him into their vehicle and asked him to give them his phone. When he asked them why they were detaining him, the soldier told him that he looked like a “Yahoo boy”. That he looked so well dressed. He mildly responded to them that it is now a crime for a young person to dress well. They told him that if he did not want to spend the whole day with them, he should give them #5,000.00. He complied because he was afraid that they would harm him.

    Nigerian roads are now tollbooths for the army and the police. They openly collect bribes without shame. The level of decadence in law enforcement on the roads is killing the spirit of society. With due respect to the risks associated with their work, the behaviour of some of the personnel officers their authority. They must restore dignity to law enforcement so that the citizens will value them and not look at them as robbers attacking the youths at gunpoint.

    •Pius Okaneme,

    Umuoji, Anambra State.

  • Africa’s demand for permanent UNSC seat

    Africa’s demand for permanent UNSC seat

    • By Matthew Alugbin

    Sir: Nigeria has renewed calls for the United Nations to consider granting a permanent seat for the African continent on the Security Council in its characteristic effort to live up to the mantra of being the Giant of Africa. This demand is not a new one. Former President Muhammadu Buhari made the same appeal during previous UN General Assemblies. Leaders from Ghana, South Africa, Sierra Leone, and other notable African countries have also, at different times, advocated for two permanent seats on the Security Council to represent the 54 nations within Africa and the over 1.2 billion people who live on the continent. They believe this would create a more representative and inclusive Security Council.

    The Security Council currently consists of five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members. The permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The special privilege of the permanent members is the veto power, which allows them to block any resolution they oppose, regardless of the support it has from other members. Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s 1989 song, “Beast of No Nation,” long criticised this arrangement:        “One veto vote is equal to 92…or more, or more; Which kind sense be dat, na animal sense.”

    Seeing that the interests of the UN were not aligned with those of Africa, Fela concluded and labelled the organisation “egbekegbe,” meaning a bad society. Yet, here is Africa now demanding a world where all nations can dialogue as equals. This organisation was created when most African nations were still struggling under colonial rule. The confidence of African leaders in making this demand is commendable, but it is important to understand that such demands are not achieved through rhetoric alone.

    There are several questions African leaders must ask themselves and answer before evaluating the weight of their demand. To be considered for the Security Council, what qualifications must Nigeria or any other African country meet? How many missiles can Africa produce? Can a nation struggling to contain banditry, militancy, and other domestic issues qualify for such a position?

    Is qualification based solely on population or the number of nations on a continent? Does Africa truly need the UN? Did the Security Council’s permanent members plead or beg for their seats? Who desires a United Nations with a disunited Africa? A permanent seat on the UN Security Council is not the only path to global influence. Despite their lack of permanent seats, economic powerhouses like Germany and Japan wield significant influence in the world today. They did not get that through the demand for permanent seats in the UNSC.

    Read Also: Company chief cleared of AMCON N168m indebtedness

    Undoubtedly, Nigeria and Africa’s seemingly unending love for borrowing and reliance on external aid will not end soon. Meanwhile, beggars cannot be choosers. For instance, most African nations do not produce their own weapons, vehicles, medicine, or technology. Yet, they want a say in world affairs and be among the decision-makers. While military power remains a factor, other criteria, such as economic influence, diplomatic capability, and global peace and security contributions, determine international recognition. Unfortunately, many African nations are yet to fully leverage their strengths in these areas.

    It seems that this demand will now be part of the speeches read at every General Assembly, and no one can tell how many future Nigerian presidents and African leaders will continue to make such appeals. The African Union has made significant strides, particularly with the African Continental Free Trade Area and peacekeeping efforts. Notwithstanding, it should initiate steps vital for reducing reliance on external aid. It should focus on building a united and self-reliant continent. Africa must foster regional integration, enhance economic self-sufficiency and build coalitions with other regions. Africa must realise that might, not rhetoric, determines or guarantees a permanent seat. If African nations do not make concerted efforts to build the continent, their leaders will continue to make routine demands to empty chairs at every UN meeting. Africa cannot continue to beg for seats at someone else’s table.

    •Matthew Alugbin, PhD,

    Edo State University, Uzairue.

  • Emphasizing practical learning for stronger future in education

    Emphasizing practical learning for stronger future in education

    • By Samuel Jekeli

    Sir: Education is the foundation upon which the future of any nation is built. In Nigeria, this foundation has long been cemented in theoretical knowledge, leaving students often ill-equipped to apply what they have learned in real-world situations. Across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, the traditional education system places an overwhelming emphasis on memorization and theoretical teaching while neglecting the practical skills necessary for success in today’s dynamic world.

    The need for a paradigm shift is clear: Nigeria’s education system must evolve from the current model to one where 10% of the time is spent on theoretical talks and 90% on practical, hands-on learning. This rebalancing would foster a generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and skilled professionals who can meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

    Nigeria’s educational system is often criticized for producing graduates who are “book-smart” but “street-dumb.” From a young age, students are taught to regurgitate facts, memorize definitions, and cram for exams that emphasize theory over practical understanding. This system not only stifles creativity but also fails to prepare students for the complexities of real-world challenges.

    The goal of education should be to produce critical thinkers who can solve real-life problems. While theoretical knowledge is important as a foundation, it is through practical application that students learn to think critically, solve problems, and innovate. In science, for example, conducting experiments, building models, and working with laboratory equipment helps students understand complex concepts better than mere memorization ever could. By focusing 90% of the time on practicals, students are encouraged to engage in hands-on activities that challenge their thinking, creativity, and ability to work through real-world issues. This type of education fosters innovation, making it easier for students to create solutions that improve society.

    Nigeria’s high youth unemployment rate is a testament to the mismatch between the skills students acquire in school and what the job market demands. Employers consistently bemoan the fact that graduates lack practical skills, and many companies spend significant time and resources retraining new hires to make them employable. A 90% practical education would bridge this gap. By exposing students to practical experience early on, they become job-ready by the time they graduate. Schools should introduce vocational training, internships, and hands-on projects that allow students to work with industry tools, understand workplace environments, and develop a range of practical skills. This would make Nigerian graduates more competitive both locally and globally.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s plan to rejig cabinet excites ex-agitator

    Nigeria’s future lies in the hands of entrepreneurs and innovators who can develop solutions to pressing problems such as poverty, infrastructure gaps, and technological advancement. However, innovation thrives in a practical environment, not in a system where students are trained to memorize formulas and pass exams. Practical learning environments encourage students to experiment, fail, try again, and ultimately create. They foster an entrepreneurial mind-set by allowing students to start projects, test prototypes, and engage with real-world scenarios. Imagine a curriculum where secondary school students learn by building sustainable farming models, designing apps, or creating small businesses. Such an education would lay the groundwork for a generation of innovators ready to reshape Nigeria’s economy.

    The shift from a theory-heavy system to a practical-focused education requires strategic planning and investment across all levels of education.

    At the primary level, educators should introduce practical learning early on by incorporating more hands-on activities, such as science experiments, group projects, and interactive learning tools. This encourages curiosity and helps students understand the practical implications of what they are learning.

    In secondary schools, vocational training should become a core part of the curriculum. Schools need to partner with industries, organizations, and artisans to expose students to real-world skills. Projects such as building machines, creating art installations, or even running school businesses would allow students to apply classroom knowledge in practical ways.

    At the tertiary level, universities and colleges must collaborate with industries to integrate internships, fieldwork, and hands-on projects into every course. Whether it is engineering students working on real construction sites or business students managing live projects, practical experience should be the cornerstone of higher education. Universities should also invest in modern labs, workshops, and technology centres to give students access to the tools they will encounter in their future careers.

    The shift to a practical-based education system is not just necessary but urgent. By rebalancing the scales and dedicating more time to hands-on learning, Nigeria can build a future where its youth are empowered, its workforce is skilled, and its economy is vibrant. The time for change is now.

    •Samuel Jekeli,

     Centre for Social Justice, Abuja.

  • ASUU and horrid pastime

    ASUU and horrid pastime

    Hooray!  Our dons are at their favorite pastime again — declaring glorious strikes as they are wont to do!  (Applause!  Applause!)

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), on September 25, issued its latest 14-day ultimatum to declare a strike.  Magnanimously, the dons’ 15-day top-up was after an earlier 30-day notice. 

    The ASUU statement said the deadline was to wean the Federal Government off its delay tactics, over negotiated but inconclusive issues, that drag on and on!  Well, you can’t blame the old and tested strikes heroes, can you?  This government — indeed every Nigerian government — only understands one language: threat or force!

    Still, anyone should be alarmed that an academic union, whose forte should be reason, is always so gung-ho over going on strikes.  What do logicians say about threats?  Is it not when you’re worsted by facts and logic that you resort to threats? 

    So, shouldn’t the rest of us be worried that the reflex of Nigeria’s bastion of reason is threat — threat of strikes that yielded pretty little in the past — because their majesties, the dons, couldn’t — and still can’t — think out of the box of ready strikes?

    Still, give the devil its due.  There are always two sides to a story.  In truth, Nigerian governments have not entirely been earnest with ASUU — in negotiations and in implemented agreements — even after ASUU jumbo strikes.  That’s to be decried.

    But ASUU’s main problem is their infinite faith in strikes — and their pleasure to often weaponize it with gusto — even when its positive impact had been minimal, supremely confident they would get paid for strikes, no matter how long they do.

    Read Also: Company chief cleared of AMCON N168m indebtedness

    Which is why they’d threaten to trot out on another because the Buhari government called their bluff by invoking the no-work-no-pay rule, which by Labour laws is legal and legitimate.  Though the Tinubu government compassionately paid part of that unearned money, ASUU would still cite “withheld salaries” as justification!  What gracelessness!  What rabid fixation!

    Talking of fixations, ASUU would stick to “renegotiating” a 2009 agreement, instead of putting forward fresh ideas close to economic realities today? Does that even make sense?

    Well, the Federal Government must do its duty; and fairly address ASUU’s grievances. In truth, the government can do far better implementing, to the letter, agreements with the union.  But that should start with resisting any agreement it cannot implement, no matter the immediate pressure.

    Much more: it should break this sickly cycle of ASUU bully tactics — that brazen right not to work but insist on getting paid.  This ruinous strike reflex must stop. 

    Dons are paid to teach and mould students, not to become vile power and principalities that make youths’ university experience nasty and retard their future.

  • On the latest hike in Monetary Policy Rate

    On the latest hike in Monetary Policy Rate

    Sir: It’s already in public domain that Monetary Policy Rate has just been increased to 27.25%. Rising from its meeting in Abuja, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) decided to move up the August position of 26.75% by 50 basis points. 

    Even though, MPC resolved to maintain the Liquidity Ratio (LR) at 30%, they also effected increase in another monetary policy tool – Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), both for the commercial and merchant banks which also went up by 50% basis points, from their previous position in August.

    This writer feels strongly that the apex bank is too much in a hurry to effect the increase in MPR by 50% basis points, having just hiked the rate in August to 26.75%. Even though, CBN have their reasons for the hike, especially the recent sudden increase in the price petroleum products with particular reference to petrol (PMS), nonetheless, this increase is surely against the expectation of the investing and banking community, and may be counter-productive to economic activities.

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    MPR, a benchmark policy interest that prescribes the basis for other macro-economic interest rates in Nigeria should be treated at all time with sensitivity that it deserves.

    For emphasis, it’s the rate that Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) borrows and lends to commercial and merchant banks, as well as the rates at which those banks prescribe their lending and deposit activities to their clients.

    In the present circumstance the nation found itself, what CBN ought to have considered is to attempt to maintain the August position with a view to exhausting effect of 26.75% on the economy, more-so, when the global MPR too is fast easing.

    Of course, there is no doubt that the MPR increase would further tighten the economy, as it would make it difficult for the real sector and other users of fund to access fund for the manufacturing and other economic activities.

    •Kola Amzat (FCA, FCIB)Lagos.