Hmmmmmm...I do not think people read the criteria and rules very well.

davidylan:


lol i thought your original idea was better. Much harder to plagiarize and folks are forced to dig deeper to their creative wells. This one is basically an academic paper you can rip off anywhere... basically all you need is read through 2-3 opinion articles in nigerian papers and you can come up with 700 words. As you said, you definitely need citations for articles like these.

Would you mind moving your discussion to the contest thread? This thread is for submissions and discussion directly pertaining to the entries.

Thanks!

Martins301:


Limiting the total words was too much of a restriction. I for one had to shorten and reshorten my phrases to make the whole work fit just under 700 words. References alone can account for over 300 words in a comprehensive essay or article so u see the limitation? Had to exclude references for the above reason and since I made no direct quotes. Its available on request tho.

typically references do not count towards total word count for an essay. IMO the 700 word limit is more than enough if you can write well. Imagine if there were no word limits... we'd be seeing textbooks by now.

MissMeiya:


Would you mind moving your discussion to the contest thread? This thread is for submissions and discussion directly pertaining to the entries.

Thanks!

Sorry! I'm out!

Choose a major problem in today's Nigeria within your field of study or area of interest.
1. Identify and give an assessment of the problem.
2. Describe a practical, feasible, and cost-effective solution or set of solutions for improvement.



Did anyone read this part very well

Especially the feasible, practical and cost-effective aspect.

davidylan:


lol i thought your original idea was better. Much harder to plagiarize and folks are forced to dig deeper to their creative wells. This one is basically an academic paper you can rip off anywhere... basically all you need is read through 2-3 opinion articles in nigerian papers and you can come up with 700 words. As you said, you definitely need citations for articles like these.

If you and sunnshyn had spent your time wisely and sat down to write you two would have have come up with a nice piece of work on any issue affecting our country or economy. Instead una two dey busy dey derail the thread. Smh for you people sha. . . . Nigeria is the place where youths can't engage in intellectual debate but can play champions in other useless matters.

Martins301:


If you and sunnshyn had spent your time wisely and sat down to write you two would have have come up with a nice piece of work on any issue affecting our country or economy. Instead una two dey busy dey derail the thread. Smh for you people sha. . . . Nigeria is the place where youths can't engage in intellectual debate but can play champions in other useless matters.

...

Martins301:


If you and sunnshyn had spent your time wisely and sat down to write you two would have have come up with a nice piece of work on any issue affecting our country or economy. Instead una two dey busy dey derail the thread. Smh for you people sha. . . . Nigeria is the place where youths can't engage in intellectual debate but can play champions in other useless matters.

Stop ranting dear. I hope you win the contest...cheers!

STEERING THE CHANGE
A child that does not know the efficacy of herbal medicine,calls it a mere vegetable.Change they say is the only permanent virtue.It is ubiquitously noted that change is an element of transcendence which can either be positive or negative.Philosophy posits that the goals of change can be material or immaterial.It emanates with the substitution of an already existing element with another.
In the context of effecting changes within the geographical entity called Nigeria,the yearnings are purely that of positivity.A change for transparency in political portfolios.A change from celebrating mediocrity and corruption widespread among the political class to proper prosecution with no veniality to any sacred cow.There has been this hue and cry all over the country of glorified mismanagement of funds and vision less incapacitation by the leaders.This has so much waned and decimated our country's charisma to a near zero level.What might have sounded incredible as a prophecy decades of years ago now stares at us without blinking.Leadership ineptitude now stares at us.
I put it that we have in-so-far,remained glued to this gory state because of the joint franchisal cowardice portrayed by majority of the Nigerian populace. They remain nothing but critics,only good at admonishing the political stoics.To tackle this problem of leadership ineptitude,the masses should duly exercise their franchise whenever the opportunity calls,voting in people with impeccable and unquestionable character.They should ensure they vote out the bad elements with their franchisal veto,never to blend their voting with sentiments,not to exchange their birthrights with bags of rice and tokens of naira.This will tactically bring new elements into the corridors of power,these new elements knowing full well that same fate awaits them if they tilt or under-perform will hasten their games and do the needful.
Also,parents should inculcate good values and morals in their children as it is crystal clear they are the leaders of tomorrow.They should train their wards on selflessness and the dangers inherent in looting public funds.This I term nurturing a better mindset into the youths which will avail them the opportunity to render their all to the society.Research had shown that about two-third of Nigerians venturing into politics does so solely to amass affluence.This very mindset can be altered by healthy training from infancy.
Another magic formula which can be used to redress change into our political system is by public enlightenment.This can be carried out through seminars,campaigns,crusades et cetera.Creating awareness for change should not be limited to election campaigns and manifesto presentation.It should be vehemently and widely disseminated around the nooks and crannies of the country.Concrete attention however should be paid on patriotism.This will boost unity and hence,water the masses with peace and thriving economy.Non governmental organisations should help facilitate this method.This will go a long way into ensuring that our polity is sanitized.
I strongly believe that these salient points of mine if taken into consideration,will effect the much needed change into our political system.

Dagah2:
STEERING THE CHANGE
A child that does not know the efficacy of herbal medicine,calls it a mere vegetable.Change they say is the only permanent virtue.It is ubiquitously noted that change is an element of transcendence which can either be positive or negative.Philosophy posits that the goals of change can be material or immaterial.It emanates with the substitution of an already existing element with another.
In the context of effecting changes within the geographical entity called Nigeria,the yearnings are purely that of positivity.A change for transparency in political portfolios.A change from celebrating mediocrity and corruption widespread among the political class to proper prosecution with no veniality to any sacred cow.There has been this hue and cry all over the country of glorified mismanagement of funds and vision less incapacitation by the leaders.This has so much waned and decimated our country's charisma to a near zero level.What might have sounded incredible as a prophecy decades of years ago now stares at us without blinking.Leadership ineptitude now stares at us.
I put it that we have in-so-far,remained glued to this gory state because of the joint franchisal cowardice portrayed by majority of the Nigerian populace. They remain nothing but critics,only good at admonishing the political stoics.To tackle this problem of leadership ineptitude,the masses should duly exercise their franchise whenever the opportunity calls,voting in people with impeccable and unquestionable character.They should ensure they vote out the bad elements with their franchisal veto,never to blend their voting with sentiments,not to exchange their birthrights with bags of rice and tokens of naira.This will tactically bring new elements into the corridors of power,these new elements knowing full well that same fate awaits them if they tilt or under-perform will hasten their games and do the needful.
Also,parents should inculcate good values and morals in their children as it is crystal clear they are the leaders of tomorrow.They should train their wards on selflessness and the dangers inherent in looting public funds.This I term nurturing a better mindset into the youths which will avail them the opportunity to render their all to the society.Research had shown that about two-third of Nigerians venturing into politics does so solely to amass affluence.This very mindset can be altered by healthy training from infancy.
Another magic formula which can be used to redress change into our political system is by public enlightenment.This can be carried out through seminars,campaigns,crusades et cetera.Creating awareness for change should not be limited to election campaigns and manifesto presentation.It should be vehemently and widely disseminated around the nooks and crannies of the country.Concrete attention however should be paid on patriotism.This will boost unity and hence,water the masses with peace and thriving economy.Non governmental organisations should help facilitate this method.This will go a long way into ensuring that our polity is sanitized.
I strongly believe that these salient points of mine if taken into consideration,will effect the much needed change into our political system.

hands down the best essay posted so far... the last line was probably unnecessary but very good writing.

Ok

davidylan:


hands down the best essay posted so far... the last line was probably unnecessary but very good writing.

Unfortunately, he did not read the directions.

exe0:
Dis is simply unfair na...i dey hustle to reach 200post and dem dey ban me till 2015

sorry bro..but ur case is very funny..

Try to use other sections..

exe0:
Dis is simply unfair na...i dey hustle to reach 200post and dem dey ban me till 2015

PM a mod/supermod and/or mention them somewhere (not here!).

NIGERIAN GRADUATES AND UNEMPLOYMENT SAGA
Author: ███████
Area: Unemployment

THEME: IF WE ALL WAIT FOR EVERYONE TO CHANGE BEFORE WE DO, CHANGE WILL NEVER COME.
TOPIC: NIGERIAN GRADUATES AND UNEMPLOYMENT SAGA


INTRODUCTION

The current proportion of unemployment in Nigeria is escalating in an exponential rate. The continuous decline in the number of graduates getting employed yearly is abysmal and worrisome. Yet, Nigeria is making little or no effort in providing a sumptuous job for the potential graduates.

The unemployment rate, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics, states that 23.9% of Nigerians are unemployed. Whereas, countries like Ghana, Egypt and Cameroon are having lesser percentage of employed people 12.90%, 13.10% and 3.80% respectively.

According to the Nigeria’s National Youth Development policy (2001), the youth comprises of young people of age 18 to 35, who are citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Nigerian Graduates are within this age bracket, in which most of them are energetic and productive but, unfortunately unemployed.

CAUSES OF UNEMPLOYMENT

The factors that have continued to restrain Nigerian Graduates from getting employed include but not limited to:

1. ECONOMIC MISMANAGEMENT

In April 2014, Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics had revised the country’s Gross Domestic Profit (GDP), in 2013 from 42.4 trillion naira to 80.2 trillion naira. As a result, Nigeria’s output grew by 89 percent, making the country Africa’s largest economy, ahead of South Africa. Even, with this laudable achievement, the unemployment rate in Nigeria is still skyrocketing.

2. GROSS INCOMPETENCE

Apart from the unemployment rate that is escalating from mismanagement of economy by the government, the problem of unemployment is also flourishing, because the graduates are unemployable. Majority of Nigerian graduates possessed high level of incompetence. For instance, how many Nigerian mechanical engineering graduates can design an automobile? Another example is that of over 1300 Kaduna teachers that failed an exam that was generally meant for primary four pupils.

3. CORRUPTION

According to 2014 Transparency International report, Nigeria is the 136th most corrupt nation out of 174 countries. Corruption is somewhat overwhelming in Nigeria. The Federal Government of Nigeria, that is expected to be our messiah, is still extorting the jobless graduates through dubious means, which was exemplified in the recently concluded Nigerian Immigration recruitment exercise.

EFFECTS OF UNEMPLOYMENT ON NIGERIAN GRADUATES

Merriam Webster Online Dictionary defines unemployment as “the state of not having a job; Involuntary idleness of workers” High unemployment rate has caused and is still causing some harm like:

1. High Crime Rate: An idle hand is the devil’s workshop. As a result of idleness, Nigerian graduates now indulge in several criminal acts like; prostitution, robbery, terrorism etc.

2. Gross Domestic Poverty: The 2006 United Nations Human Development Index puts Nigeria at 159 out of 177 countries with 70.8 percent of the population living on less than a dollar. This was estimated, due to the exorbitant rate of unemployment.

3. Talent Inhibition: The unemployed graduates are not given the opportunity of putting their skills and potentials into practice, and if this persists, such potential may extinct.

4. Rampant Sickness and Death: Due to increased unemployment rate, frustrated jobless Nigerian graduates now resort into suicide, while some are baffling with severe sickness, like depression, hypertension, and mental illness.

RECOMMENDATIONS

In order to eliminate drastically, the social pandemic called unemployment, every Nigerian has a significant role to play and to this end, I recommend the following:

1. Entrepreneurship and vocational training should be given more attention in our institutions of learning. Acquisition of entrepreneurial skills like carpentry, tailoring or photography coupled with academics, will give the graduates the opportunity of being independent, instead of depending on the government.

2. The Nigerian government should embark on several youth empowerment programs that will alleviate joblessness in Nigeria. As Nigeria is blessed with fertile land and resources, more emphasis should be placed on agricultural sector.

3. The government should give the opportunity of granting Nigerian graduates reasonable loan scheme. This will foster them to establish on their own, especially Small Medium Enterprises (SME).

4. There is need for adequate funding of the education sector, if any change is anticipated. This will give the school the opportunity to be well equipped with laboratory equipments, which will enable them to produce industrious and not feeble graduates.

Towards a Result-Oriented Teaching of English language in Nigerian Schools
Author: ███████
Area: Education: English Language

Towards a Result-Oriented Teaching of English language in Nigerian Schools


Introduction

As the Nile was to the ancient Egypt (an important source of sustenance), so is the English language in our quest for a vibrant Nigeria. Through it, we strengthen the ties that bind us. Over time, the seed of the language planted by the colonial masters has grown to become a veritable tool in our daily lives. It is the language of commerce, science and technology, mass media, government, law, etc. and importantly, a medium of instruction in schools.

The Challenge

Sadly, in spite of the phenomenal role of the English language in Nigeria, many of its speakers or learners are still grossly deficient in the language. Statistics from the West African Examination Council (WAEC) show that more than 75% of the total candidates who sit for the school-leaving exams fail the English language paper yearly. This falling standard can be traced to the redundant curriculum design, implementation and the attitudes of teachers and students towards teaching and learning.

English Language, at some time, posed a threat to the academic advancement of many Nigerian secondary school students. A credit pass in English Language which is a prerequisite for admission into tertiary institutions has proven to be a very difficult academic hurdle for many. Ironically, is instructive to observe that the average Nigerian student got introduced to English language − the language of instruction in schools − at age 3!

Way Out

It's what it's, a visit to most discussion forums on the Internet will do nothing but foreground the weakness in the expressions of most users of the language. The implication of this is that there is the need for a users’-centered and needs-meeting approach to the teaching and learning of the language if we ever want to meet the needs of the learners. To facilitate development in English teaching and learning, there is the need to encourage focused teaching and that the language curriculum should be students’-centered. Learning should not just be about acquiring knowledge but about how each individual can properly use what is learned after the classroom. The language teachers should seek to treat each student as a unique language user with a unique language ability and need.

Importantly, flexibility is expected of the teacher in teaching and creativity in selecting teaching aids. Similarly, sincerity should be used in recommending texts to students. They should be made to learn in the most dynamic manner possible as against the traditional teaching pedagogy. Sticking to the status quo has a way of making teaching and learning redundant. The language description models in course design, materials to be selected and teaching style of the teacher should be based on the needs of the learners.

Also, teaching should be done in a way that creates students’ interest and encourage positive attitude to learning. Having a positive approach and seeing the relevance or importance of a course are crucial in determining the students’ attitude and approach to the course. Supporting a view like this, Karahan (2007:84) cited in Al Noursi (2013:1) argues that a “positive language attitudes let learner have positive orientation towards learning English.”

The purpose of the teaching should be made known to student. In as much as the students are willing to learn, the teachers should not take the students learning desire for granted. The onus lies on the teachers to make the best out of the students. It should be noted that since most of the students have different linguistic backgrounds, the approach of the teachers should be such that will make the students see reason why they are learning the language.

Conclusion

Apparently, the relevance of the English language in the 21st century − which is characterized by globalization − has made competence in it a basic necessity in whichever field one finds him/herself, and this comes with a demand from the stakeholders in the education sector: adequate language needs analysis, brilliant curriculum design and implementation.

Reference

Al Noursi, O. (2013). “Attitude Towards Learning English: The Case of UAE Technological High School.” In Educational Research. Vol. 4(1), pp. 21-30.

ELECTION COMA: how we affect it
Author: ███████
Area: Politics

ELECTION COMA: how we affect it


Theodore Roosevelt said “a vote is like a rifle; its usefulness depends upon the character of the user”. Politics is arguably the most exciting realistic game there is and yet so deeply stained and maliciously consigned. There comes an epoch occasion when persons of colored and uncolored ideas work themselves out, some few go as far as out stepping the boundaries of angst; they shed blood with the ultimate prize winning a ‘seat’. Of course there is more to the ‘seat’ than a mere chair, howbeit the price paid beats the reason made.

As humans we crave a lot of things, food, money, clothing, women, and good leadership. Might I add that human wants are insatiable? Now somewhere along the line we become distasteful and go rouge. A lady wrote, “I have never voted in a presidential election in Nigeria because I will never vote a person above 50”. English language calls it abstention; I say she is the author of her own undoing. I picked up a quote from a speaker “you get who you deserve when you do not vote”. Apparently voting isn’t just your right, it’s your responsibility. Yes many a times, our votes do not count. Yes to cast a single vote could be like a mountain climbing task but there is a bigger picture, victory for our future and that of our children’s children.

In the holy book, Esau’s undoing was selling his birth right. For all we know, there might have been more to the birth right, something divine perhaps and he sold it for a morosely price. It is a common sight to see politicians offer money for votes and even more commonly, the offer is accepted. Whether or not I like it, and I don’t, it is checkmate on the part of the politician but for us, it is Esau’s story over again. Obviously selling out ones vote is wrong but some would argue that it is better to lose part and win part than to lose it all and I can but ask, where dignity lies?

Violence in every regard is nauseating but election violence is just out rightly irksome. Grown up men and rarely, women shed their blood in ignorance for the selfish cause of one man. Logically speaking how is there a gain in that? For all it is worth the price of the amount of blood wasted might exceed the one paid for the irrational act. The victims of these vices happen to be youth who seemingly have lost relevance to their immediate society and sought out a jet way out.

As it stands, Nigeria has a lot of problems and alleviating it should be top of the chart. The essence of election at the very instance should be defined and the obligation of all and sundry be well spelt out. Certainly the government owes a large role in this picture and have obviously not repaid. Howbeit, we cannot begin to undermine our part in this polity decay but we must observe a cleanse of altitude and rerouted attitude. The government consists of our brothers, sisters, and us. Perhaps we are the sole problem. Rather than castigate and sought dividends from the carcass of destroyed society, we must place hand to deck and rebuild the yatch, Nigeria. We must rebrand ourselves because if we wait for everyone to change before we do, change may never come

████████████████
Author: ███████
Area: █████████████████

REMOVED at author's request

Hello ma'am. I can't see my entry.

Education; my own experience.
Author: ███████
Area: Education

Education; my own experience.

My mother once asked me to define education,i looked at her and i simply replied,"it means going to school everyday".Though i was proud of my answer,but mama disagree! With simplicity she resonate,it means "moving from darkness to light".Mother was so passionate about her children getting the right education.According to her,it is the problem (when you get the wrong education),and solution (when you get the right education) to mankind's world.

Let me share my little story with you; I grew up in a poor but hardworking family.My parent thought "us" that whatever you want in life,you can get it if you persevere. I really do not understand those words because my father left us at a very tender age.I was just five years old when my dad abandoned us. Growing up was hard, i could remember vividly that at the tender age of ten, i was already a working class boy,striving hard to support the family.We could not afford the basis necessity of life but we were hopeful.I did all this,not because i wanted to,but because of what mama taught us,PERSEVERANCE.

One day,while working as a cleaner in a nearby restaurant,a customer had a quarrel,a very frightening one with my "madam", i really do not understand what was happening,all i could remember was that at the end of the day's job, my boss sat me down and pleaded with me not to return to work the next day!The arguement was all about me.Customers had earlier complained that i'm too young for such odd job! At first, i taught my world was crashing! Myself and my mum had been saving some money everyday so that i can joined my peers in secondary school,and perhaps,maybe go to the university.

I told myself this is the end of the world. I cried all through the night,mama try to cheer me up but i couldn't just stop crying.I remember she held my hands and she prayed with me, i clearly remember she ask God to intervened and make things right.I dont know if i actually say "amen". I don't know how to make reality from all my dreams, but one thing i knew is that i can do it and i will do it.I am always trusting in myself and i'm working hard to create reality.I know that nothing is impossible. Fast forward till today, i ask myself, did God actually intervened to make things right, i'll say a resounding YES! Today, i'm a graduate,three of my siblings are graduates, another one is graduating next year,and you know what? Mama is still hale and hearty.

Fellow patriots,"Nothing predisposes a nation to failure more than a poorly educated adult population unable to think critically; troubleshoot and provide cost effective; and efficient solutions to today's multi-dimensional problems" and also to challenge misrule unanimously and effectively. Free,comprehensive and qualitative education should be introduced from elementary to high school.The major problem with Nigeria and Nigerians is bad or wrong education,our educational system has been corrupted.The effect of this is shown in terms of ethnicity;tribalism;bribery and corruption;favouritism; and the so called "yahoo-yahoo"etc.Our youths need to be rightly educated,not just for themselves,but for the good of the nation.

Concerning job,i have trusted in him (God) before,i will trust in him again.Jehovah never fails! I woke up every morning reminding myself to be grateful as my feet first hit the floor. I had always consider myself to be grateful,but only as i began to fullly understand the law of perseverance did it truly resonate with me.I am very grateful for everything i have and everything i don't have,believing that one day and very soon,our leaders will get it right and "Nigeria will be the envy of all countries".The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain!

Thank you so much for letting me share my own little secret experience and for providing my own solution to Nigeria educational system.

Sincerely, [censored]

TERRORISM IN NIGERIA: PROBLEM AND SOLUTIONS
Author: ███████
Area: National Security & Civil Defense: Boko Haram

TERRORISM IN NIGERIA: PROBLEM AND SOLUTIONS


Terrorism can be said to be an act of violence or unlawful use of threat on a human person or property, carried out by an individual or certain set of people for their own private interest or as a revenge for some sort of injustice or purely to intimidate to intimidate the political objectives of the government.

Nigerian as a country is plagued with the menace of terrorism perpetrated by a group of Islamic sects called Boko-Haram who are against western education and are purportedly believed to be fighting the cause of Allah, in which there members are been taught that what they are doing is making them come closer to God. Boko Haram sect are religious extremists, causing havoc on people and properties since their inception in 2009. Borno, Yobe and Adamawa are the main target fold of this so called group and they have succeeded in displacing people of their home. So far, the group has killed over 10,000 people for no just cause all in the name of religion.

Boko Haram do not have problem with financial back up as they are provided with all sort of automated guns, rifles, armors and even vehicles. There kind of financial support are usually derived from stealing, politicians with ulterior motive, blackmailing amongst others.

To tackle terrorism effectively, the media coverage they get should be minimized to the lowest rate. Major bombings carried out by this evil group are meant to create fear in the mind of citizens and the more they get press release, the more it motivate them to carry out their nefarious attitude.

The terrorist mode of operation is usually by bombing, it is advisable that the security should be tighten in where there are large crowds such as a market. Surveillance cameras should be placed at remote areas to view activities within the specified environment. Metal and bomb detectors should be readily available for security operatives at major entrance of buildings.

When a terrorist is caught, he should be properly interrogated and if he is not co-operating, he should be put under immense torture so as to confess and expose the identity of their sponsors and group leaders. When such a leader is eventually caught, he should be thoroughly dealt with and if possible assassinated, as the death of a ring leader usually weaken the network base of terrorists and send shivers.

Military personnel’s should be deployed to neighboring countries close to the border such as Cameroun and chad republic, as it seems the Boko haram sect has built a strong base in such countries to plan their attack on Nigeria. More so, The Nigerian military arsenals should be well equipped with state-of-the-art weapons such as fighter jets, T-90 tanks, bulletproof vehicles etc. Fighter jets should be launched into the air to destroy the major hide outs of the group such as the Sambisa forest should be entirely raided and destroyed. Financial backup should be available to motivate the gallant soldiers.

The citizens also should report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities and also, the sect should not be feared as it can be seen that they usually take the people’s fear as an opportunity to unleash more terror since they know people are too scared to fight back. The operation created by the Civilian JTF is well commendable and the government should play their own part and recognize such group as a security operative.

Negotiation should not be made with a terrorist and this give them more courage and they feel to be in control when they bring a negotiation deal. USA for example don’t negotiate with terrorist no matter the circumstance, Nigeria should also emulate such plan.

In summary, the most efficient way to bring terrorism to an end is to get to the root of it, ending media publicity for it, and beefing up security measures against it. Muslim and Christians should all come together as one team, religious sentiments should be kept aside and everyone should play his part and fight the demon destroying our beloved country.

The cankerworm corruption and the means of curbing this vice.
Author: ███████
Area: Ethics: Corruption

The cankerworm corruption and the means of curbing this vice.


There are several problems in Nigeria today. Some are in a sphere it's own, others give rise to other problems, while other problems are issues that could have easily been averted if things were in the right order. Despite the fact that each problem seems too big to be considered minor, the mother of all problems in Nigeria is too big to be called Major. That is Corruption. The root of many of
Nigeria’s problems.

Most major problems in Nigeria like
Insecurity, Crime and terrorism, specifically Boko Haram insurgency,
Poor Education and university system
Strikes
Unemployment
Poor health Facilities
Embezzlement of public funds
Lack of Infrastructure etc
are directly or indirectly tied down or linked to Corruption.


'How?' We may ask. It's a fact in our Nigeria today that corruption goes beyond the use of power by government officials for illegitimate private gain.

The forms of corruption may vary, but include bribery , extortion, nepotism, tribalism, misuse of government power for other activities and embezzlement.

Now how does corruption operate?
Stereotypes of corruption are passed from parents to children. An average Nigerian child understands why connection, influence and ethnic ties work faster than merit. Sorting is also the in thing. Schools are abandoned with poor facilities and therefore churn out half-baked graduates who go into a failed economy and depend on corrupt means to survive. The circle is vicious. Another case of this corruption is ethnicity called tribalism in Nigeria. Kinsmen seeking favor from officials in place of other worthy applicants. Corruption in public administration results in the inefficient provision of services. This leads to citizen's poor standard of living thereby indirectly encouraging social vices such as armed robbery, prostitution, child trafficking etc.

It is now dawning on the Nigerian public that the so-called private enterprise and legislators are free from scrutiny, and governors claim to be immune yet they are the thresholds of this vice.


Having identified and accessed the problems of corruption in Nigeria, we shall now describe a practical, feasible solution and methods of improvement to the cankerworm that has eaten deep into the Nigerian society.

*The first step is to improve the Roles of Law Enforcement agencies in Combating Corruption. These are the ICPC, EFCC and the code of conduct bureau. An autonomy should be created which gives them security to handle corruption cases. Officials in these agencies should have security of office and better working conditions to enable them do their job effectively without bias or fear of threat.

Before these agencies can fully function, there should be an enforcement of anti-corruption laws which should be strictly adhered to. Anti corruption policies should be made. Policies like Buhari's War against Indiscipline(WAI) which prosecuted several corrupt officials should be welcome.

*Another step to improvement is that emphasis should be placed on transparency, integrity, and accountability in all private and public organizations. There should be a kind of incentive where people who act against any form of corruption are rewarded and penalties for those who aid and abet corrupt practices.

*There should also be reformation and re-orientation of the minds of Nigerians, for them to see that corruption is the enemy of development.

* Another means to curb this corruption is by implementing laws which have capital punishment stipulated for guilty leaders who are the root of this corruption. Public officials as well as governors of states should be made to declare their assets publicly. This will enable justice to be served should there be a monstrous increment in their wealth without credible reasons as to why such increase happen.

*They'd be rules curtailing our leaders for training their wards overseas or seeking foreign help overseas when they're sick. This will help them focus on improving our health sector. There should be accountability of public funds. If this was highly practised, the petroleum bill wouldn't have been pushed under the carpet.

Auditors should be employed to make all corporations account for public funds. Our electric bills should show their accountability in power supply. The tertiary trust fund should be shown in highly subsidized fees. Contracts awarded should be shown in the projects constructed.


This essay is to show us how corruption has eaten deep into the Nigerian society and the means of curbing them.

ANSWERING TO THE CHALLENGE OF MEDICAL TOURISM IN NIGERIA.
Author: ███████
Area: Public Health

ANSWERING TO THE CHALLENGE OF MEDICAL TOURISM IN NIGERIA.


Growing up as a young boy,I could not but ponder why,every time my chemistry master came to class he would always complain of how bad the Nigeria state was;the situation is hopeless,our leaders are corrupt he would say,today I know better. X-raying our society today,one discovers a disease which is very contagious and which mitigate against the total growth of our nation,this disease is called "The Nigeria Factor" what are its symptoms you may ask;it makes you produce the best brains who are authorities in their fields and can match others from any part of the world but some how are not able to transcend their knowledge into practical real life solutions to arising problems and even the medical sector is not spared.

According to statistics released by the Nigeria Medical Association in 2013,about 5000 Nigerians travel for medical treatment overseas on a monthly basis,amounting to a yearly cost of over 81 billion Naira.Funds which would have helped better the health sector.With their favourite destinations being India,Germany,United kingdom,Israel and even neighbouring Ghana.Most of these travels are as a result of medical cases in only a few subspeciaties including;cardiology,renal dialysis issues and cancer.Listed below are some of the causes for this misnomer and proffered solutions.

In the first place,the basic problem of the health care system is the lack of the much needed medical facilities and equipment in public hospitals.Those in power are seemingly more concerned with building and commissioning of health centres rather than equipping these facilities.To solve this problem,the government must be ready to commit more of its annual budget to the health sector.Presently the health sector allocation which is at 6.7% in 2014 is far lower than the world Health Organization prescribed 15% and this is unacceptable.The bulk of this fund must be focused on equipping of available medical centres.

In like manner,the federal government must also involve the private investors,as public-private funding will help position the sector for improved and better delivery.

Similarly,the poor level of awareness and knowledge of available medical services in the country by physicians and the general population is another issue.this is due to a medical code which bars orthodox health practitioners from advertising their services.In a recent interview, Dr Olalekan Olatise,a Consultant nephrologist and CEO of Zenith Medical centre in Abuja Said "as far as,kidney ailment and related conditions are concerned,it is really not necessary for Nigerians to travel abroad for treatment as both surgical and non-surgical means are in the country".In spite of this,30% of Nigeria medical travels overseas are due to kidney ailment and related conditions.This shows how uninformed the general public is about the issue.
Thus,it has become imperative to speak on the danger that the persistence of this medical code poses to the Nigerian public.It is therefore necessary that this code should be reviewed and updated to suit today's society.

Equally important to mention,is the fact most of our public office holders top the list of those who embark on medical tourism abroad.With so many examples to mention like that of our immediate past president Yar'adua who was flown to Saudi arabia when ill,one is forced to ask why the ruling class is obsessed with aiding the development of the health sector of other nations.To curb this menace,there should be restriction of government sponsorship of public office holders on foreign medical care with the exception of cases that require referral abroad.This if done would no doubt improve the health sector as those in power would be force to play their role in the sector's development.

In conclusion,we must all work together tirelessly and assiduously to put our health sector on the right path of progress thereby reducing medical tourism to the minimum.

POVERTY IN NIGERIA: PROBLEM AND SOLUTIONS
Author: ███████
Area: Poverty

POVERTY IN NIGERIA: PROBLEM AND SOLUTIONS


Determining Nigeria's biggest problem from the myriad of challenges facing this nation could very well pass for the theme of a very controversial debate, What will however not be in doubt is the fact that widespread poverty ranks amongst the first three of our most important problems. True, Nigeria has oil and virtually every other mineral resource. True also, Nigeria has arable land and a climate very suitable for agriculture, It is true again that Nigeria has a highly skilled and relatively cheap labor pool but it is also true that most Nigerians are poor-extremely poor.

According to Wikipedia; "Extreme poverty , or absolute poverty, was originally defined by the United Nations in 1995 as 'a condition characterized by severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education and information. It depends not only on income but also on access to services.' Currently, extreme poverty widely refers to earning below the international poverty line of a $1.25/day (in 2005 prices), set by the World Bank. This measure is the equivalent to earning a $1.00 a day in 1996 US prices, hence the widely used expression, living on 'less than a dollar a day.' "

Looking at Nigeria and Nigerians in the light of that definition, it becomes clear that a majority of Nigerians are indeed poor and that poverty as a national problem is much more serious than we often perceive it to be. More so, as almost every other national problem relates directly or indirectly with the problem of poverty.

This position is further validated by the World Bank report of April 10th, 2014 as reported by DAILY INDEPENDENT of May 2nd, 2014. The quote follows; “The world bank established that Nigeria with over 170 million population falls among countries whose over 70% population lives on less than $1.25(N200) or even less per day.” With the recent drop in the Naira relative to the Dollar, the situation is certainly worse.
In consideration of the foregoing, the situation appears both hopeless and gloomy. However, the following is an outline of a two-dimensional approach to solving Nigeria`s extreme poverty problem.


THE GOVERNMENT DIMENSION
First is the dimension of the government. The under listed is a practical, feasible, and cost-effective outline of actions which if taken by the government will go a long way in solving Nigeria's extreme poverty problems:

- Government must create a system of Education and awareness that inculcates entrepreneurial education to the general populace as private enterprise is a quintessential bedrock of all prosperous economies.
- Government must build infrastructure to support businesses while also diversifying the economy.
- Government should also create business-friendly laws and formulate our foreign policy such that our economic interest as a nation is a foremost consideration.
- Corruption is the bane of Nigeria's economy and government must do everything to stamp it out of our polity while ensuring peace and security.


THE INDIVIDUAL CITIZEN DIMENSION
It is not enough for us to endlessly wait for the government for in the final analysis, we also have our own responsibilities. The following is a list of actions we as individuals must also take:

- We as individuals must imbibe a culture of enterprise, hard work and excellence in all we do.
- We must also learn to think globally for in the global market place like we have today with goods and services marketed across geographical, racial and even religious barriers, we cannot afford to remain local.
- We must gain financial literacy at all cost as it is needed to combine with our ideas to produce financial independence.
- Our education should widen our horizon enough to make us truly useful to the community at a fee not minding whether we find this utility in salaried employment or private enterprise.


Finally, although the hydra-headed monster of poverty has eaten deep into the recesses and fabrics of this nation, we can at the level of both the individual and government with much determination, effort and will overcome this menace and make Nigeria a country truly prosperous and rich with abundant opportunities and equitable distribution of wealth for everyone to enjoy.

We will continue posting essays tomorrow. Good night everyone!

sunnshyn:


Let's be truthful...those who have written and published journals knows writing articles isn't a 2 weeks thing. It takes extensive research and in-depth thinking, analysis and sweat.

Don't mind me going off about references here just 'cos I know most of these works here were lifted. And I don't blame them - "when the going gets tough, the tough gets going" (go figure, lol), so it's almost expected that contestants will just go looking for 'ready-made' work. And again, this is just a casual essay like MissMeiya said...



But if I find my article here without credit, I'll be suing the organiser-Babyosisi...no time!! ---*tongue-in-cheek.

People write weekly columns for newspapers, remember? And when I was in school, I researched and wrote a work of over thirty pages in under two weeks. So you can't really say some submissions were lifted merely because you deem the timeframe unrealistic.

Dagah2:
STEERING THE CHANGE
A child that does not know the efficacy of herbal medicine,calls it a mere vegetable.Change they say is the only permanent virtue.It is ubiquitously noted that change is an element of transcendence which can either be positive or negative.Philosophy posits that the goals of change can be material or immaterial.It emanates with the substitution of an already existing element with another.
In the context of effecting changes within the geographical entity called Nigeria,the yearnings are purely that of positivity.A change for transparency in political portfolios.A change from celebrating mediocrity and corruption widespread among the political class to proper prosecution with no veniality to any sacred cow.There has been this hue and cry all over the country of glorified mismanagement of funds and vision less incapacitation by the leaders.This has so much waned and decimated our country's charisma to a near zero level.What might have sounded incredible as a prophecy decades of years ago now stares at us without blinking.Leadership ineptitude now stares at us.
I put it that we have in-so-far,remained glued to this gory state because of the joint franchisal cowardice portrayed by majority of the Nigerian populace. They remain nothing but critics,only good at admonishing the political stoics.To tackle this problem of leadership ineptitude,the masses should duly exercise their franchise whenever the opportunity calls,voting in people with impeccable and unquestionable character.They should ensure they vote out the bad elements with their franchisal veto,never to blend their voting with sentiments,not to exchange their birthrights with bags of rice and tokens of naira.This will tactically bring new elements into the corridors of power,these new elements knowing full well that same fate awaits them if they tilt or under-perform will hasten their games and do the needful.
Also,parents should inculcate good values and morals in their children as it is crystal clear they are the leaders of tomorrow.They should train their wards on selflessness and the dangers inherent in looting public funds.This I term nurturing a better mindset into the youths which will avail them the opportunity to render their all to the society.Research had shown that about two-third of Nigerians venturing into politics does so solely to amass affluence.This very mindset can be altered by healthy training from infancy.
Another magic formula which can be used to redress change into our political system is by public enlightenment.This can be carried out through seminars,campaigns,crusades et cetera.Creating awareness for change should not be limited to election campaigns and manifesto presentation.It should be vehemently and widely disseminated around the nooks and crannies of the country.Concrete attention however should be paid on patriotism.This will boost unity and hence,water the masses with peace and thriving economy.Non governmental organisations should help facilitate this method.This will go a long way into ensuring that our polity is sanitized.
I strongly believe that these salient points of mine if taken into consideration,will effect the much needed change into our political system.

Go to the other thread and submit appropriately if time still dey

slap1:


And when I was in school, I researched and wrote a work of over thirty pages in under two weeks. .

Which makes you a genius...

Please stop derailing...topic already over-flogged. Cheers!

[quote author=babyosisi post=28890120]

Go to the other thread and submit appropriately if time still dey[/quote
Have been trying it since two days ago without success....posted it here cos I hv no other option

davidylan:


hands down the best essay posted so far... the last line was probably unnecessary but very good writing.

Thanks bro.....been trying to upload it at the prescribed thread without success,since two days ago

MissMeiya:


Unfortunately, he did not read the directions.

I did.....couldn't post it there.
FATE

[quote author=Dagah2 post=28890803][/quote]

Send it by email to Missmeiya with the other attachments