₦airaland Forum

brainhgeek:
I won’t delve into defining genius or the criteria for inductions into such an elite group, but I’d argue that savants are unintentional prodigies. They are accidental geniuses. They possess extraordinary talents intertwined with neurological challenges, a blend of gift and burden. Their remarkable abilities come at the cost of neurological disorders, making their brilliance both rare and costly.

The Imafidon children, often celebrated for their academic feats, haven’t vanished into obscurity. Instead, they’re quietly carving out their paths, living purposefully without chasing the spotlight. Here’s what I know about them:

- Anne-Marie Imafidon (35 years old): She’s the CEO of Stemettes, a social enterprise empowering young women and non-binary individuals in STEM, and serves as the Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University.
- Christina Imafidon: Information about her is scarce, and I know little to nothing about her current endeavors.
- Samantha Imafidon: She worked as a cloud architect and financial account manager at Microsoft before moving to Deloitte, showcasing her versatility in tech and finance.
- Paula and Peter Imafidon: At around 15 years old, the twins are likely still in university.

Their absence from social media suggests they’re driven by ambition, not fame, focusing on their goals and living authentically. Their father, Dr. Chris Imafidon, an educational consultant, has shown the world that academic excellence and age should not be a rigid combo, after guiding his children to defy conventional limits.

Finally, I must sternly emphasize: Nigeria’s educational system desperately needs reform. The current structure stifles potential, keeping the workforce stagnant. Children are told to wait until 18 for university, yet employers demand a second-class upper degree, a master’s, two years of work experience, and an age under 25. With a four-year degree (often extended by strikes), a two-to-three-year master’s, and minimal job experience, even the fortunate ones approach 30 before meeting these demands. This system feels like a deliberate trap. It’s time to rethink and rebuild, for the sake of our youth and our nation’s future.
We are joking with education in this country! Our policy makers are politicians.

Also, the Imafidon’s seem to curiously be very good at maths. Conveniently their father is a maths professor. Who is fooling who? If my father was a maths professor, I will have known differential equations before taking the class. I will be more impressed when a palm wine tapper’s children all come out with such record. That I will believe are geniuses. A lot of parents push and coach their children. It’s for their own fame and bragging, not the child benefit.

brainhgeek:
I won’t delve into defining genius or the criteria for inductions into such an elite group, but I’d argue that savants are unintentional prodigies. They are accidental geniuses. They possess extraordinary talents intertwined with neurological challenges, a blend of gift and burden. Their remarkable abilities come at the cost of neurological disorders, making their brilliance both rare and costly.

The Imafidon children, often celebrated for their academic feats, haven’t vanished into obscurity. Instead, they’re quietly carving out their paths, living purposefully without chasing the spotlight. Here’s what I know about them:

- Anne-Marie Imafidon (35 years old): She’s the CEO of Stemettes, a social enterprise empowering young women and non-binary individuals in STEM, and serves as the Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University.
- Christina Imafidon: Information about her is scarce, and I know little to nothing about her current endeavors.
- Samantha Imafidon: She worked as a cloud architect and financial account manager at Microsoft before moving to Deloitte, showcasing her versatility in tech and finance.
- Paula and Peter Imafidon: At around 15 years old, the twins are likely still in university.

Their absence from social media suggests they’re driven by ambition, not fame, focusing on their goals and living authentically. Their father, Dr. Chris Imafidon, an educational consultant, has shown the world that academic excellence and age should not be a rigid combo, after guiding his children to defy conventional limits.

Finally, I must sternly emphasize: Nigeria’s educational system desperately needs reform. The current structure stifles potential, keeping the workforce stagnant. Children are told to wait until 18 for university, yet employers demand a second-class upper degree, a master’s, two years of work experience, and an age under 25. With a four-year degree (often extended by strikes), a two-to-three-year master’s, and minimal job experience, even the fortunate ones approach 30 before meeting these demands. This system feels like a deliberate trap. It’s time to rethink and rebuild, for the sake of our youth and our nation’s future.
We are joking with education in this country! Our policy makers are politicians.

Asking for age limit is discrimination and should be banned. It could also have been because of Nigerian culture of age and respect. Older people think they cannot be managed by their younger managers and they rebel seriously. Nigerians do that a lot. But abroad, a child their age mate will be pushing them around like toy and they dare not say a word.

The curriculum needs to change and the age needs to change. If kids around the same age are graduating every year, it is easier for a government to meet the education needs. Also easier for employers to hire qualified and mature people from a much smaller pool of candidates. It benefits everyone in the end. It reduces the need for unnecessary competition and gives true geniuses the time they need to develop their talents. Without feeling they have to rush and be good at something to make it out of school in time.

As for the Imafidon kids, they have not accomplished more than their mates that finished school at the appropriate age. Once everybody hits 30, you start seeing their mates catch up and even surpass. Some, it’s even from acting they become millionaires. That’s their gift and it was nurtured with time. Some will be much better computer scientists and billionaires. They took their time, actually had childhoods, made mistakes and matured for where they find themselves. All these things are missing from those Imafidon kids experience.

Children who were supposed to still be playing in sand, were studying night and day for A level maths which they passed with Grade E. That is a gba, jensimi grade. Which is, I dash you grade. Let children be children, you never get to be a child again. The rushing does not benefit them at all.

brainhgeek:
You closing paragraph is music to my ears.
I am an educator. I am versed in the Nigerian, British and American curricular. Now tell me, which state-funded basic institution gives exceptional students the privilege of differentiated learning to the tune of upscaling the subjects they do in class while remaining in the same class as their pairs?
Nigeria may not be ready for this conversation, but it's worth noting that other countries, like the UK, take a more flexible approach to education. For instance, the Imafedion family, known as the 'smartest family in the UK,' is a great example. Their children have achieved remarkable academic feats, such as passing A-level math at age 9 and starting university at 11. This shows that with the right support and opportunities, exceptional students can thrive and reach their full potential.
https://www.pulse.ng/articles/lifestyle/meet-the-smartest-family-in-the-world-2024092617143063180

Nigeria may need to overhaul its education to give gifted students the opportunity to take more advanced classes if they are interested. But it’s honestly not necessary. The Imafidon’s it’s just show off and their father pushing them for attention as far as I am concerned. What have those children accomplished now that warrants all that push in education? You say you are an educator, most educators actually hold their children back and force them to finish school as age appropriate. They understand more the need to be truly ready at each stage.

If a child is reasonably intelligent, you can teach them anything, in that respect the Imafidons are not special. True geniuses are very rare and they change the world. Some not even that educated. Most people with very high IQ who are considered genius have intellectual disability, like the Savants. There is no true benefit to rushing a child through school. It only confuses the child and puts a child in mature spaces they are not ready for.

When you are talking about genius, the likes of Tesla are geniuses. Very rare. Even Tesla graduates secondary school at 18. So, who is Imafidon and the remaining jokers saying their children are genius so they need to enter University at 14.

hotseat:
This was the standard practice until business merchants masquerading as private school proprietors seemingly hijacked the education sector, more out of pecuniary considerations than any real commitment to turning the sector around.

As the the floodgates opened, all manner of schools began to spring up, many of which could be described as mushroom schools.


Since the goal is primarily to maximize profit, infants, some even yet to be weaned by their mothers are presently "pupils" of something, something like "Bread And Butter Nursery, Kindergarten, Primary And Secondary International Group Of Schools, Nigeria Ltd".


Many parents simply reach out to the ever-ready proprietors to repeatedly double-promote their children and wards after receiving gratifications from such unscrupulous parents.

Thus, at age 14, the child is ready for university education.


Haba!



@hotseat

FG need to ban that nonsense double promotion.

brainhgeek:
Permit me to enter this discussion.
Should a 17-year-old student in JSS3 be promoted to SS2 if their intellectual abilities warrant staying in JSS3 despite the age-based class structure? Why do we make students repeat classes and associate with younger peers? Shouldn't we prioritize individual development over rigid age-based policies, allowing gifted students to progress at their own pace, even if it means skipping a class or being with older students? Doesn't this approach risk stifling exceptional talents and undermining the potential of students who don't fit the traditional age-grade mold?
Looks like the government is placing priority on age and not intellectual abilities.

There’s a difference between age of acceptance in an institution due to maturity. There is also a difference in not studying hard enough or having intellectual disabilities which make it hard for certain students to become successful in formal education. If you did not prepare well for JAMB and you fail, do you get admission into Uni? Don’t you have to repeat it and take it with younger students? The same way, if you fail in school, you do not get promoted to the next class until you have fulfilled the requirements to pass.

These kids being rushed did not even bother to enter primary 5 or even 6. Most write common entrance in primary 4. After being rushed and heavily coached by their parents to pass the exam. So they can pass off parenting to some teachers in a boarding house.

Abroad, if you don’t turn 5 by August 31st, you wait till the next year to enter primary school. So, kids are entering the equivalent of secondary school between 12-13yrs. They have observed that kids, no matter their genius are emotionally, socially and mentallly prepared for secondary school at that age. At 18, they are adult and only adult should be in University for several very important reasons. If I was an employer and you apply, say you are 19yrs, I will never employ you. Kids abroad graduate University from 22yrs and up and they do very very well. With many of them being geniuses.

I have relatives who were identified as gifted abroad. They do not skip class but are made to graduate with their mates. The only thing is they are allowed to take more advanced classes based on some subjects their teacher has identified they are good at. But time is taken to ensure they develop their special abilities with their mates. They all graduate together at 18.

adedayoa2:
how many schools still have basic 6?

Seems like FG need to revamp the curriculum to make it necessary to have basic 6. Some things should not be learned until Basic 6.

It’s so old. It’s not a new trend at all. Definitely show off.

MadamExcellency:
My youngest son is coding and going into formal phone and computer repairs, as that has been his fantasy, but he is 12 years old and in JSS3. You can't reduce him to a low IQ class.

Which low IQ class? That’s his class. He’s only in JSS3 because you rushed him and probably made him do common entrance in primary 4. No de deceive yourself. Kids are to learn at a normal pace not rushed and then the parents claim genius.

Some even bribe the primary school for double promotion. All those kids that were rushed, what has their genius contributed to Nigeria? At the end are they better off than their peers who attended school at the right age? I look around me and the answer is NO. They were obviously not geniuses but rushed by parents.

If you do all this without laws sentencing iron condemn to death. Also banning Iron smelting companies from collecting Iron condemn metals, then we are not serious. Those guys will ruin the rail.

No Yoruba person there. Una see am? Igbo people here accused Yoruba people of always trying to bring them down. Na wa o.

Good. Some people rush little kids to secondary school so they can be kept in boarding house. Then the parents can go and come free. If you know you are not ready to devote those first 12yrs to your kid, making them a whole human before secondary school. Don’t have kids. They also need to ban double promotion and initiate gifted classes. So all the brilliant students can still maintain their grade but learn more advanced subjects.

I look around and some of my classmates are 2-3yrs younger than me. Hooow! It’s pure negligence and abuse on the parents part. It will also go a long way to reducing cultism. By the time they enter University and they are 18, a more mature mind. They are less likely to be influenced by cult and other unnecessary vices, even pervert teachers will be more careful with mature students.

Sound like an African politicians is moving money to hide in Nigeria. Probably from Zimbabwe. The Vietnamese currency may show there is collusion with some “Asian” fronts.

This is absolutely not the time to start taxing therefore increasing the price of essentials. Like transportation and food. This is very tone deaf of FIRS. Tax the company’s as usual but leave the service delivery out of it. FIRS should go and find another revenue generating outlet.

APC should buy their own land. Not because APC is in power they start to steal land. Provide land how?

Ever since dem disgrace their spokesman in Saudi. Dem don de catch all of them. Spokesman don retire leave Islamic fundamentalism after that disgrace.

They are the ones that wrecked the airways. Thinking they can spend the money forever. While they were wrecking the place that will feed them after retirement, others were also stealing their retirement funds. Wherever you are, do your best so that, that workplace can last and pay your entitlements when you are too old to work. This applies in all areas of government. If we do the right thing, the money will go round and be available.

PDP, SHARE THE MONEY!!!! Una don enter ADC abi? The one when una share for years, when Dino sef de boast say him wealthy. How e change our life? Una still de do politics of bele.

It’s the staff and the management team. We need to develop a culture of sacking all these people that enter a company or government facility and run it to the ground because they steal all the money used to maintain it. Sack and jail them.

Indegeneship can never change. It is equal to being a native of a land. You mean residence? That can change as you move but you are bound to a certain tribe and its tribal boundaries by your birth and it can never ever change. Not anywhere in the world. Natives are natives. Easterners should focus more on building their region.

I think this recent push by SW is putting a lot of pressure and spotlight on SE leaders by their people. Before they could just push their people out on other regions. Now that other regions are pushing back, there is pressure on them to actually work and produce results. Which is a fantastic thing! No one will give up their heritage for you, so you can escape responsibility and your people can roam the earth causing trouble because they are not at peace at home.

mukthar2000:
Shame on ifa, so na court they precide for ifa?


Yoruba Calture has totally gone.

It was put into law, so the traditional council has to contest it in court.

Anyone with Christian or Muslim name should be automatically discouraged to join the race to Kingship. Investigate them very well before allowing them become candidates. Some of the Kingmakers are only interested in money. This is usually the cause. Just like that one in Iwo. Complete embarrassment that suppose to be dethroned.

Very good. Na wife you marry not slave. Make them beat am well well.

ComeToJesus:
Typical African mentality..
Waiting for visitors to bring you dollars when you have dollars buried superfluously under your soil.

Don’t mind that one. Tourists? Even Europeans de reject tourists now. They say they only polute their environment with all sorts of strange vices and make property value plus cost of living too expensive for locals.

Oyinbo just de run these mugus street. Steal all their minerals, use war as distraction. Come make them spend money on top for one mumu sponsorship. Kai! This na juju or mental problem?

Tai Solarin did more for education and people than Awujale. Please leave Tai Solarin legacy alone. Build something in Awujale’s honor. Maybe a new road or bridge.

Only SW and SS suppose de run this country. Poor regions has no business ruling over rich regions or telling them what to do. That’s why we move 1 step forward and 100 steps back when the power rotates.

How can you not know how to even feed or support yourself, yet you want to run the country and think you have idea how to move it forward. We are not serious in this country. These regions should be ashamed to even put a candidate forward for Presidential election. Nonsense.prove your ability in your own locality first.

stanluiz:
What is this one saying ?

Insecurity in east has drastically reduced since simeon ekpa was arrested. Even, the Monday sit at home has stopped. When last did you hear of killing in the South East ?

In Anambra, Agunecemba is has dislodged many of the criminal hideous the same in Imo except some part of ihila and orsu. Even in those areas security agencies set up forward operations base to contain the violence there.

South East is peaceful now.

Can you tell what it is about Igbo that makes it easy for such murderous groups to thrive? There definitely is an issue that is being avoided culturally that is the root cause. The worst and murderous gangs always spring up from that side.

Kemi leave us alone naaaaa. Can’t you succeed over in UK without putting Nigeria down? If they don’t believe in you politically except you deny and betray your heritage, then you are in the wrong place in life.

Indians don’t have to do all this, yet, are well placed in higher positions than you! Everyday Cho Cho Cho, Nigeria this and that. Rest or resign from the party so you can have peace of mind.

Sheuns:
You could have escaped all these wahala if you had turned down their kingship.

You were crowned by traditionalists as king, but want to be buried according to Islam.

Exactly. He and all his religious comrades should be ashamed. Claim to be Muslim but feeding fat off African gods. Why Muslim god no de enough for them to survive on? The irony!

Even in death, see what fear can do? See how far greed can take you? Awujale wan scam irunmole. Na the same people guarding that place go let them go inside and handle business.

Which kain photoshop be this? Is Femi not at least 60yrs? Marrying children he can give birth to. This better be a lie.

Abstain is different from virgin. This na secondary virgin. Once you hear abstain, dem don taste the forbidden fruit before.