₦airaland Forum

Neyoor:
It has been observed, verified, justified and even defined by the different dictionaries that quintessential represents a typical example of the most perfect thing or class but in situation that incessant strike, impoverished facilities and lack of qualified facilitators amongst others persist in our educational institution. How do one become classic and stand out without series of self development?

Read my essay, I didn't deny the role of self development in the evolution of quintessential graduates, but it is very minimal compared to what the institution lays down.

neyoor, you defined a quintessential Graduate as the perfect example of a graduate, yet you make reference to people who abandoned school and dived into other aspects of life to succeed.

Quite contradictory, that I drop out of school and somehow excel, does that make me a quintessential graduate?

Name: Catalyst4real

Institution: A.B.U Zaria

Topic: "Quintessential Nigerian Graduate - A Product Of Self Development Or The Institution?"

Stance: The Institution


With Stellar ebullience, I recognise the presence of the unbiased judges, the ever propitious coordinator, my tenacious antagonists, the congenial audience and my honourable colleague, Abuklaw

Quintessential means a substance of the highest quality; And with prime relativity to the subject, A Quintessential graduate is a student who has 'fully' acquired the requirements of a degree.

A quintessential graduate isn't just a student with a certificate as evidence of graduation. But one who has been equipped to face life.

And I find it derisively obtuse to concede that the quintessential graduate is a sole product of self development, with the institution managing a subjective role in the making of the graduate.

I cannot comprehend the logic incurred in admitting to the fallacy that all the graduate had to do to attain apical excellence was "develop himself"
With the institution having no hand whatsoever?

On a more neutral horizon, Both the institution and the students play a role in producing assiduous graduates, but who plays the greater role?

>>>>>>Role of the Institution

Nigerian universities may not be the best in the world, they might be invincible in the list of first class universities.
But for a country in the Third World Region, Nigerian universities are undeniably sublime.

The Nigerian institution fecunds infrastructures, employs competent lecturers and professors, highly subsidized dormitories with all the social amenities in place and ultimately admits befitting students amidst the multitudinous applicants.

For years and years the wards are rigorously grooved, rejuvenated, refurnished, re-engineered, dusted and paramountly gyrated from ineptitude to proficience.

You really think the meagre school fees we pay, counterbalances the effort our universities makes to ensure we attain stellar heights?

You can't put a price tag to education, education is priceless.

Nigerians, we have been blessed with exuberant universities, but we don't recognize that; Because we are always comparing our universities with those of other countries who gained independence 400 years ago.

And it is this unequal comparisons that blinds us to the undying diligence put in by our universities In producing dexterous graduates


Most times we are beyond quick to ridicule our university system, always in a haste to tag our lecturers as "below standard"

But it is still one of our professors, Professor Opeyemi Enoch who won an award(1$ Million dollar prize) for solving a 156 year old mathematics headache, he singlehandedly solved a mathematical puzzle that has existed for over a century.

And not too long ago, "Nigerian doctors, products of our institutions were able to find the treatment for Ebola and ultimately exterminated it from Nigeria, professors from the much hyped Harvard and Oxford all came to be tutored by these culminant beacons of ours.

"A prophet is indeed not respected in his hometown"

>>>>>>>Role of the Graduate

All the graduate had to do was listen, learn and pass exams.

It doesn't go beyond that, The institution already has everything in place, and all the wards have to do to attain excellence is to learn and prove they have learned by passing the examinations.

What self development are we even talking about? Can self development actually make you a graduate?

It doesn't matter the level of self development attained, without the institution it is still useless.

Is the fisherman more honourable than the river? Or the farmer more honourable than the field from which he cultivates?

Reaching a congruence that self development is the propellant behind the yield of quintessential graduates against the diligence of the institution is like biting the hand that fed you.

Look up the list of top universities in Africa, and watch our institutions representing.

When we nag and complain about how the economy is filled with Half-baked graduates, the universities always take the blame and Is always at the receiving end of the vituperations.

And suddenly, on the emergence of quintessential graduates instead of attributing the glory and praise to the universities, self development gets the credits? How blunt!!!

Is formal education the only thing acquirable in an institution?

A typical Nigerian university is an oasis filled with life lessons, a garnished combination of sweet and sour, a panopticon of challenges, an epitaph of knowledge and a platform for the true test of morals.

You learn to survive amidst hardship and insurmountable stress, spontaneously learning how to manage finance and striving so hard to live cordially with people from different backgrounds.


The graduate acquires Life lessons, struggles and delirium unachievable in any phase of life.

The institution isn't just a paragon where people are rewarded for hard work, it is an avenue where lives are built, friends are discovered, character is tested and knowledge is imparted.

Do I even need to make more vivid what the institution does in making the graduate?

It will be ridiculously interesting to see anyone turn himself into a quintessential graduate by developing himself from his bedroom.

It is dismally lethargic, to believe the making of the quintessential graduate, is a homogeneous product of self development

That's an incongruous fallacy, The institution not only makes the quintessential graduate but defines him, and on this stance I remain adamantly obdurate.






Reference
The Education of a Lifetime(Book by Robert Khayat)

Top 100 universities in Africa
https://www.naij.com/56114.html

Nigerian Professor solves 156 year old mathematic problem
(www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/nigeria/12000314/The-Riemann-Hypothesis-solution-found-by-Dr-Opeyemi-Enoch.html)

Neyoor:
Please we need your presence now to commence the debate.

Am present, waiting for the Go word

OAUTemitayo:
Others gave the organisers notice of their unavailability in advance which is not case in your case.
I hope Abuklaw can show up today and let it be a good contest.
But to go AWOL is not good enough and a big slap on the organisers of the debate.
He must show up today or I will come and drag him out of that place he is

Listen to yourself.

Abuklaw's phone was stolen together with his laptop, you think he's playing a coward?

I want him to be here more than you do, he won the position of the best debater twice.
You guys need to calm down and be open to whatever solution there is.

Tourshaw:
What happened in the last match was somehow embarrassing. When one of the UI reps was absent and only one rep did it against us. And many were throwing the weight of their support on the sole representative which later has reasonable effect in the best debater ratings.

Sole participation was also resorted to for Ibadanpoly who presented 2 reps but sacrificed one rep and consequently their proceed.


This needs to be looked into

What are you guys even saying? We are faced with an unforeseen predicament, and Fynestboi is trying hard to find an imminent solution befitting to both parties.
You wouldn't feel like you've won if you win in a duo? or you'll feel cheated if you lose in a duo?

Fynestboi:
Postponement is not a problem, but why did Abuklaw choose not to lobby for propspoment when we asked him if he will be available?



There is only one thing I can do, is to shift the time, but that the debate will not hold today is not conceivable.

Please I am in the middle of exams and have placed everything on hold. If the debate will be postponed, or the time shifted please make it known.
My apologies for Abuklaw's absence still sustains

present

I solemnly apologise for his absence and the inconvenience it is causing.

As regards the duo battle , i am comfortable with it

Without Abuklaw?

Fynestboi, please I'd like the presence of my colleague Abuklaw to be verified before anyone drops a debate.

Fynestboi:
The debate is on Monday, but be rest assured that we are not playing an handicap match in this semi final. So try and reach him and give us feedback. No easy win....

Relieved, I will do that

Fynestboi:
We are not stopping them from having a say, have I? Or can you point out how I have ignored their plight?

Fynestboi, all my effort to reach my colleague has proved futile, he fell victim to theft.
regarding today's debate, please I'll appreciate an extension of the fixture. All signs have proved that he'll likely not be available.
And being kicked out for his non participation will be devastating, considering the hard work we've put Into this debate.

Abuklaw:
We will appreciate if the moderators would look into our complaint. I have not been able to communicate to my colleague as result of the theft, and I don't know if that will be possible before Monday.

catalyst4real, leave a message for me when you see this. I will see it when next I come online.

Abuklaw please I want you to indicate your availability before the debate starts.
we've come too far to be disqualified for non participation.

Neyoor:
So far so good, the topic has been fixed and their is no plan to change it. How about the availability of you and your team mate for the debate on this fixed date? I hope it is guaranteed because I would like both parties to be duly represented to make the battle fierce.

I will be very much available, and so will Abuklaw

Abuklaw:
We will appreciate if the moderators would look into our complaint. I have not been able to communicate to my colleague as result of the theft, and I don't know if that will be possible before Monday.

catalyst4real, leave a message for me when you see this. I will see it when next I come online.

Fynestboi seemed to have taken an indelible stand towards not changing the topic. I miss the logic in debating an already debated topic when there are a lot of unexplored topics, begging to be summoned.

Continuously imploring him to change it, presented an incompetent picture of me and the Institution I represent.
Which is why am passive at the moment.

On second thought, Fynestboi please don't change the topic. My colleague and I will ace this like we always do.

Fynestboi:
Tight corner? Debate Topic normally are not meant to be an easy task.

The only reason debate topic will be change, is either if the topic is not debatable or it is not clearly stated.

That's the point, it's not debatable

Fynestboi:
Group stage? By which team? It was used for the Super Nairaland Interschool debate, and not group stage.... The topic was brought back due to the fact that what we expected as regard rebuttal stage of the Finals was not given, hence the topic....

This topic puts Abu Zaria in an extremely tight corner, We will appreciate a change in topic, kindly look into it.

Fynestboi:
[size=15pt] Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (A Product Of The Institution) Vs University of Ilorin (A Product Of Self Development



Topic: Quintessential Nigerian Graduate - A Product Of Self Development Or The Institution". [/size]



Judge:
Ujsizzle
Caracta
Ishilove




Catalyst4real
Abuklaw


Tourshaw
Neyoor




Date: 28th March 2016

12pm


Any questions?

Fynestboi, this topic was treated in the group stage, and I consider it to be inappropriate to debate on it again.
on behalf of team Abu Zaria, we'd appreciate a change in topic.
Thank you

I am filled with Joy inexpressible, profound euphoria and paramount elation.
Abuklaw, I couldn't have asked for a more competent colleague, you were simply exceptional.

My regards extends to the great Josites(Obizeal and Noskyboy) you guys showed class. It's a shame only one institution gets to move to the next stage.

And to the unbiased judges, giving everything and expecting nothing; A big thank you is the least I can offer

Fynestboi I really don't know what you stand to gain for all your hard work. Thank you for the opportunity.

adeaks:
Great, great effort guys. I definitely learnt one or two things from your essays.

Just a little advice for Catalyst4real. I felt your reply below and one or two of your rebuttals were overly acerbic.

As this is an intellectual exercise, I think you can deliver your rebuttals without taking personal potshots or denigrating your co-debaters. Tackle the question and not the person.
I feel all the other debaters did very well in this regard.

That being said, I would love to see both teams in the next round.

Kudos

Alright. Noted
Emotions were high then, I meant no contempt
I believe Obizeal concurs

sammyscholar:
You wrote this in your essay:

"As perversely as this culture may have been re-engineered, it's dilaceration will be more inimical than logical.
"

How do you mean? You mean Nigeria is going to suffer if it removes the touches and mights of political Godfathers in its political landscape? What benefit has Godfatherism had on this country before now, now, and would even have after now?

Refer to my definition of Godfatherism, or I don't mind reiterating
"the architectural motive behind the evolution of godfathers is to have an experienced role model to look up to, who is godly in nature and fatherly in principle"
Removing Godfatherism is like eliminating that guide and support from people who have thread on the same part as the present leader.

What has Godfatherism done in Nigeria? very minimal i must say, because we haven't discovered it's true purpose. Nigerian Godfatherism may have been abused, but take reference from developed nations that practice it, and see how well they thrive.
Looking carefully, it is not the godfatherism itself that pulls us back, but how deeply we continuously misplace priorities, we live in an economy where people are more loyal to their tribes, villages and ethnics than they are to the country at large.
Eliminating godfatherism won't even help us, that's like cutting the branch, ignoring the roots

Abuklaw:
This is our stand. We couldn't even grasp it that godfatherism is solely the cause of inefficiency of our leaders.

Yes. It is quite disheartening how we Nigerians have placed the entire blame on godfatherism. Like corruption exists only as an external factor that can only be inspired in a leader by a so called godfather.
Nice job sir

adeaks:
Kindly explain further.

If an independent candidate contests and wins an election, where will the Godfather come in, in a sector that involves appointments? Who makes the appointment if not an elected person?
Do Godfathers make appointments in those sectors from the comfort of their living rooms?

Now you're reasoning with me
Godfatherism will never be eliminated because we always believe it to be the reason an election is won. No matter how free and fair it is.
Like I said earlier, the corruption in Godfatherism should be countered by promoting transparency in governance and electoral processes.

obiZEAL:
Sir I did not evade your question, if I was to answer it will lead me to derail from the topic...
what is the truth that stares us in the face in the face?

We do not have effective leaders not because of Godfatherism, but because our leaders cherish personal gains over national growth. That's the truth you've been avoiding all night. You've been making it look like "once Godfatherism is removed, the door to effective leaders will be opened" and that's a fallacy

adeaks:
What about independent candidature? In Nigeria Godfathers operate primarily through the party system. If we have an electoral system in which people could contest for posts as individuals based on the strength of their personalities, ideals and goals without riding on the coattails of godfathers in order to get elected, don't you think that would eliminate godfatherism?

Quite myopic I must say.
you're only viewing Godfatherism in political aspects that require Election, what about the sectors that involve appointments?
On a more practical note, eliminating Godfatherism is close to impossible, rather the innovation to counter the abuse of such culture for personal gain should be emphasized. in terms of patriotism, national love, godliness and moral.
Removal isn't the answer, Reformation is the key

obiZEAL:
Sir That question is a debate for another, I recommend it for the next round.
Now thank you agreeing with me that Godfatherism has to be eliminated and even goin a step further to seeking how to eliminate it...
That's progressive.

Agree with you? Quite sarcastic.Your philosophy is unrealistic.
We keep blaming Godfatherism to shield ourselves of the truth which stares at us in the face

You evade my question, I guess it was beyond your acute proficience.
I'll ask a simple one next time.

obiZEAL:
Yes sir, Among other reasons Buhari won because he had the most influential Godfather.
Tinubu have never lost any election in Nigeria and he controls 90 percent of south west politics.
So I say he was invaluable in the 2015 election.

This is ridiculous, on a more candid note, I have to come to the realisation, that godfatherism will always be blamed for the dilapidation of Nigeria's politics and electoral processes
And it is this mentality that leaves us groveling in the mud; How swiftly we condemn the least of our heartaches

You've been spewing all night that Godfatherism has to be eliminated, how do you plan on going about that?

noskyboy:
can you explain the role of Tinubu in the 2015 election? that's gofatherism my friend

This is hilarious, so In literal context, you mean, President Buhari won the elections because he had Tinubu as his godfather?

This is a negative attribute of godfatherism in Nigeria because in most cases the godfathers like to dictate how the godsons would lead, who would be appointed and even how public funds will be spent therefore even if the leader has all the criteria of a good leader, he/she can't use them

noskyboy
you say when Godfatherism is present, a "good leader" won't be able perform.

I believe one of the qualities of a good leader is to remain uncompromising and indelible, bending to nothing that isn't directed to national interests.

If Godfatherism as a single factor is proficient enough to shield a good leader from performing his duties, how can you term such a leader as "good"?

noskyboy:
catalyst4real, you said corruption and selfishness is what we need to eliminate not godfatherism how can we eliminate that when the godfathers are corrupt and selfish. you are painting an ideal picture not the reality.

Good question, one way to eliminate the corruption is the promotion of transparency. You realise why no one can outrightly say the 2015 Election was an epitaph of perpetration, godfatherism and vandalism? Because it was very open and transparent.
Godfatherism will always take the blame when the electoral practices are done in close doors.