Sir: In Nigeria, a disturbing trend continues to unfold across generations—a form of cruelty passed down like a family heirloom, permeating the very fabric of society. This madness is evident in the country’s political system, employment system, educational system, and every other structure that affects the mental health of the growing youth. The result is a country trapped in a rocking chair of backwardness—moving frenetically but getting nowhere. The systems meant to propel the country forward are perpetuating a cycle of exploitation, exclusion, and frustration that crushes the aspirations of the younger population.
At the heart of this madness lies Nigeria’s political system, where corruption and greed dominate. Generations of leaders have come and gone, but the narrative remains the same—leaders who enrich themselves while the masses struggle in abject poverty. The promises of change are empty rhetoric, leaving the youth disillusioned and embittered.
If the political system dashes the dreams of young Nigerians, the employment system buries them in frustration. The labour market is saturated with youth who are overqualified yet underemployed, forced into jobs that do not pay living wages. The requirement for years of experience even for entry-level jobs, coupled with nepotism, makes gainful employment an elusive dream for many.
This system is sustained by a generational cycle of exploitation where the wealthy and powerful monopolize opportunities while the rest languish in underemployment or unemployment. The youth, desperate for jobs, are often taken advantage of—expected to work long hours for meagre pay, sometimes even without pay, in the guise of internships or probation periods. The result: A disenchanted generation, frustrated by the realization that merit and hard work alone do not guarantee success.
Education, the bedrock of development, is also a casualty of this madness. Nigeria’s educational system, once a source of pride, has deteriorated into a breeding ground for mediocrity. From underfunded schools to outdated curricula, the system is not designed to equip young people with the skills they need to thrive in a competitive world.
The problem is not just with the infrastructure but also with the very culture of learning. Cheating, examination malpractice, and bribery are rampant, producing graduates who lack the critical thinking skills needed to drive innovation and change. Education has become a formality, a paper chase, rather than a tool for empowerment. This generational transfer of mediocrity ensures that the youth are ill-prepared to face the challenges of the modern world, perpetuating a cycle of intellectual poverty.
The cumulative effect of these systems is a mental health crisis that is often overlooked. Young Nigerians are caught in a vicious cycle of expectations that are never met. The pressure to succeed in a society that offers little support breeds anxiety, depression, and a sense of worthlessness. The culture of silence around mental health further exacerbates the problem. Young people are told to “toughen up” and push through their struggles, leading to a generation that suppresses its pain rather than seeking help.
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The frustration of living in a system that appears rigged against them often leads to extreme behaviours—violence, crime, substance abuse, and sometimes even suicide. This generational trauma is rarely addressed, and as one generation of youth grapples with these issues, they pass on their frustrations to the next, creating a perpetuating cycle of mental distress.
This madness has kept Nigeria in a perpetual state of stagnation. Like a rocking chair, the country expends energy but remains stationary. The youth, who should be the driving force for progress, are weighed down by the failures of systems that should nurture them. Instead of moving forward, Nigeria remains trapped in a cycle of mediocrity, corruption, and despair.
The madness that has defined Nigeria’s systems for decades can no longer be ignored. The country cannot afford to keep moving in circles while its youth suffer under the weight of systemic failures. Breaking this cycle requires courage, vision, and a commitment to change at all levels. Only then can Nigeria free itself from the chains of backwardness and begin to move forward into a future where the potential of its youth is fully realized.
This is the generation that can break the rocking chair and chart a new course for the country—but only if the systems that bind them are dismantled. The time for duplicating madness has long passed. It’s time for innovation, inclusion, and a Nigeria that works for all.
