₦airaland Forum

In a country where students get punished for punctuality, failing class works and home works comes as a big test with little or no excuses for students who fail to get serious wiping, not until recent time, teachers go into classes with different correctional substances, famous of them all is “Pankere”.

Education in this context which is attending a school is not a total determinant for success as the world have witnessed many intelligent and successful people with and without proper education, same with not so intelligent ones with and without them. Equivalent as examinations, it may not be a true test of knowledge, one can excellently perform in an examination but may not teach well but not when a teacher that is a supposed credible source of knowledge can’t spell correctly, make a proper statement and failing a test woefully.

The enthusiasm to thicken the knowledge of students of a particular state in the country from a credible source in order to get better opportunities in their field of studies in the competitive society is brewing into crisis as Nepotism and politics is riddling every single part of our lives. Nigeria education is fast becoming a mirror of her society with over bloated work force, getting political employments not minding qualifications and credibility.

The current situation in Kaduna state has made it Conspicuous that it’s a political suicide mission to sack civil servants in an attempt to realign, streamline and setting priorities right. One can only mold a substance that is flexible as the country has been degenerated and become used to inferiorities. White elephant projects and ‘political’ policies are major threats and only being made to blow the trumpet of a ruling party outweighing the interest and furtherance of the nation in most cases though.

Whatever is in the news is just a reminder that the country is in a dilapidated state, internal stability and dignity in the common man can’t resist the pressure as the leaders themselves who goes contrary to the norms of the society walk freely like nothing happened, the temperament of the government is nothing compared to the frustration of its citizens which plays a major role in the attempt to streamline the common man (civil servants). Whatever is good for the goose is good for the gander, streamlining the common man when he knows you are not better as a leader, why don’t you start from the top?

The primary 4 competency test scripts conducted for school teachers in Kaduna State was shocking after revealing a gross failure by the 33,000 public teachers who took the exam with 21,700 failing woefully which prompted the state governor to sack the failed teachers, the extreme of the failure was so detrimental that it will be damaging and wasteful of government resources to reverse and retrain the affected 22,000 teachers sacked, those teachers who failed the competency test are beyond redemption.

The reactions of the Nigerian Union of Teachers and Nigeria Labor Congress to the situation was even more appalling, condemning the government for sacking and announcing a massive recruitment in the state to replace the failed and incompetent sacked teachers makes one to wonder the sort of message both unions are sending to the public. Those competent teachers that will be recruited will be shocked, are they not going to be part of the union of teachers, if not already a member and what is their fate with the labor congress who should have catered for them with or without a job?

Would of any of those against replacing the sacked teachers entrust the future of their children in the hands of this incompetent teachers? This is a question that should linger on the mind of everyone in question of this present situation and would it be fair if the proficient and hardworking teachers don’t get employed while those who dint merit get the job, at the same time influences the future of children. Of what prospects would the society anticipate of the future of this country in the hands of those children being nurtured by the unapt teachers?

Honestly, where would the society be without proper education and why have a school at all if the source of knowledge is not credible? If education meant nothing or little, no one would put in so much time and energy on it. It is obvious that education gives you a chance to broaden your base of knowledge and access to some many things, education is just like every bit of human life, you get out of it what you put in.

In order to realign, streamline and setting priorities right in our educational sector, it is beyond just sacking incompetent teachers and providing enabling environment, each state should have a better knowledge of its society especially the students as it is obvious in some states, vocational and technical education will thrive better than the regular western education particularly in a country which its government has failed to provide employments, it is one thing to have good teacher, it is another thing to have students who adhere to their idea of teachings or education although this doesn’t negate the idea of having the basics of the western education which has to do with the read and write but more attentions should be given to vocational and technical education as we’ve seen evidence of its benefits and success with countries such as Germany and China.



Issa Ahmed is social media geek and a versatile writer. Twitter: @issaclomedia

In a country where students get punished for punctuality, failing class works and home works comes as a big test with little or no excuses for students who fail to get serious wiping, not until recent time, teachers go into classes with different correctional substances, famous of them all is “Pankere”.

Education in this context which is attending a school is not a total determinant for success as the world have witnessed many intelligent and successful people with and without proper education, same with not so intelligent ones with and without them. Equivalent as examinations, it may not be a true test of knowledge, one can excellently perform in an examination but may not teach well but not when a teacher that is a supposed credible source of knowledge can’t spell correctly, make a proper statement and failing a test woefully.

The enthusiasm to thicken the knowledge of students of a particular state in the country from a credible source in order to get better opportunities in their field of studies in the competitive society is brewing into crisis as Nepotism and politics is riddling every single part of our lives. Nigeria education is fast becoming a mirror of her society with over bloated work force, getting political employments not minding qualifications and credibility.

The current situation in Kaduna state has made it Conspicuous that it’s a political suicide mission to sack civil servants in an attempt to realign, streamline and setting priorities right. One can only mold a substance that is flexible as the country has been degenerated and become used to inferiorities. White elephant projects and ‘political’ policies are major threats and only being made to blow the trumpet of a ruling party outweighing the interest and furtherance of the nation in most cases though.

Whatever is in the news is just a reminder that the country is in a dilapidated state, internal stability and dignity in the common man can’t resist the pressure as the leaders themselves who goes contrary to the norms of the society walk freely like nothing happened, the temperament of the government is nothing compared to the frustration of its citizens which plays a major role in the attempt to streamline the common man (civil servants). Whatever is good for the goose is good for the gander, streamlining the common man when he knows you are not better as a leader, why don’t you start from the top?

The primary 4 competency test scripts conducted for school teachers in Kaduna State was shocking after revealing a gross failure by the 33,000 public teachers who took the exam with 21,700 failing woefully which prompted the state governor to sack the failed teachers, the extreme of the failure was so detrimental that it will be damaging and wasteful of government resources to reverse and retrain the affected 22,000 teachers sacked, those teachers who failed the competency test are beyond redemption.

The reactions of the Nigerian Union of Teachers and Nigeria Labor Congress to the situation was even more appalling, condemning the government for sacking and announcing a massive recruitment in the state to replace the failed and incompetent sacked teachers makes one to wonder the sort of message both unions are sending to the public. Those competent teachers that will be recruited will be shocked, are they not going to be part of the union of teachers, if not already a member and what is their fate with the labor congress who should have catered for them with or without a job?

Would of any of those against replacing the sacked teachers entrust the future of their children in the hands of this incompetent teachers? This is a question that should linger on the mind of everyone in question of this present situation and would it be fair if the proficient and hardworking teachers don’t get employed while those who dint merit get the job, at the same time influences the future of children. Of what prospects would the society anticipate of the future of this country in the hands of those children being nurtured by the unapt teachers?

Honestly, where would the society be without proper education and why have a school at all if the source of knowledge is not credible? If education meant nothing or little, no one would put in so much time and energy on it. It is obvious that education gives you a chance to broaden your base of knowledge and access to some many things, education is just like every bit of human life, you get out of it what you put in.

In order to realign, streamline and setting priorities right in our educational sector, it is beyond just sacking incompetent teachers and providing enabling environment, each state should have a better knowledge of its society especially the students as it is obvious in some states, vocational and technical education will thrive better than the regular western education particularly in a country which its government has failed to provide employments, it is one thing to have good teacher, it is another thing to have students who adhere to their idea of teachings or education although this doesn’t negate the idea of having the basics of the western education which has to do with the read and write but more attentions should be given to vocational and technical education as we’ve seen evidence of its benefits and success with countries such as Germany and China.



Issa Ahmed is social media geek and a versatile writer. Twitter: @issaclomedia

Irrespective of the type of sport, as long as the team represents the green-white-green flag, all tribes of Nigeria become united in support. The round leather game called “football” is one language all the various ethnic groups in the country understands. A sensitive and crucial part of life for the people of Nigeria.

Despite the shortcomings of the nation’s economy by political office holders, the people of the largest population in Africa look forward to consoling themselves with the outing of their darling Super Eagles at the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in Russia later this year.

As the Super Eagles prepare for their sixth campaign at the FIFA World Cup in Russia after qualifying in flying colors which was almost immediately marred after Football governing body awarded three goals and three points to Algeria for fielding Shehu Abdullahi. The fullback was ineligible to feature for Nigeria in the last qualifying game.

The month-long mundial hosted by Russia which will begin on Thursday, June 14 would have been a great pain in the neck if the team was kicked out of the competition for administrative mistakes but thankfully, Rohr’s men had one of the most impressive run towards Russia 2018. The Eagles were the first African nation to qualify for the mundial, finishing the series with 14 points, six more than Zambia who were surprisingly in second place.

Nigerians are fanatics when it comes to football especially their national teams, so with expectations rising day by the day after an impressive campaign during the qualifying series with the team playing good football after a while and full of confidence, the team 4-2 victory over Argentina recently in an international friendly match was also enough to gear the fans more. Nigerians were glued to their television for the FIFA World Cup draws, moderated by Gary Lineker and Maria Komandnaya, well for many the competition commenced that day after the draws.

The Super Eagles have been drawn in the same group as Argentina for the 2018 World Cup, It is a record fifth time. Other countries in Group D are Iceland and Croatia. Nigeria first met Argentina at its first ever FIFA World Cup appearance in 1994, losing a close contest that ended 2-1.Both countries met again in 1998, 2002 and 2014.

Optimism is high due to Genort Rohr’s ability to bring youngsters and experienced players together, some with foreign allegiances, the Eagles has a rich history of stirring major upsets in group stages of the FIFA world cup, Nigeria scored a major upset in France 1998 by defeating Spain 3–2 after coming back twice from being 1–0 and 2–1 down. The Eagles qualified for the second round with a win against Bulgaria and a loss to Paraguay.

Another major upset which is the best Super Eagles performance at the mundial was when they topped their group which included Argentina, Bulgaria, and Greece in 1994. Nigeria defeated Bulgaria 3–0, lost to Argentina 1–2, and reached the second round after a 2–0 victory over Greece.

In the second round Nigeria played Italy and took the lead with a goal from Emmanuel Amunike at 25 minutes. Nigeria were within two minutes of qualifying for the Quarter-finals, but Roberto Baggio scored to take the game to extra time. He also scored the eventual winning goal. The game ended 2–1 in favor of the Italians.

The Super Eagles have won a total of five games in five Fifa World Cup tournaments, lost ten while they have secured a draw thrice. As one of the most consistent attendant from Africa in recent time, Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup after finishing level on points in the qualification group with Angola, but having an inferior record in the matches between the sides.

The team have managed to find the back of the net 20 times having scored in all Fifa World Cups, they have conceded 26 goals in the same number of outings. 18 games 18 points– The number of matches Nigeria have played at Fifa World Cups, making them the second-highest playing African country in the history of the competition after Cameroon. This figure also represents the total number of points gathered by the country in all World Cup matches to date. Cameroon boast of the most points (19) by an African team at the tournament.

No thanks to our administrators the first edition of the FIFA competition in Africa is arguably the poorest outing of the super eagles in the competition filled with crazy moments as the team failed to win a game, Sani Kaita’s marching orders by referee Olegario Benquerenca against Greece in a group stage game at the Durban Stadium on June 6, 2010 puts a dagger to the hearts of many Nigerians and not forgetting a pass that found Yakubu Aiyegbeni about four yards away from an empty net, Yakubu pushed the ball wide of the left post to keep South Korea ahead 2–1 in the last group game.

Nigerians are forgiving but I am not sure how easily it took them to forgive the team and administrators during this trying period that led Super Eagles to an indefinite ban from international football due to government interference following the 2010 World Cup, following the team’s early exit and poor showing, the then President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan suspended the national football team from international competition for two years, though the ban was lifted days later.

It’s another World cup year, hopes are high but can we avoid past mistakes? Having qualified for six of the last seven FIFA World Cups, missing only the year 2006 edition hosted in Germany and have reached the round of 16 three times but not still able to progress to the Quarter-finals in the competition, the potentials in the team are eminent but it is also important to have in-house programmes in order, the growth of a sport is reflected in nation’s ability to transform the training, participation and competitive strategy of the athletes.

Slavery is almost as old as the human race, the act which regards humans as property is an insanity and scrupulous activity of trading human beings for personal goals.

Africa has an unfair and unfortunate history of slave trade, a travail which started with the emergence of the mechanistic era, an experience of being abducted from your country and family. Only to be shackled like criminals, herded like beasts, tormented by inhumane cruelties and to live and die as another’s property in a land far away from home. Slavery was especially devastating because it did not just only decimated the continent’s population and man power, it also exposed Africa to abject poverty which till this moment has not been alleviated.

The black race as the continent has been tagged can’t keep dwelling on this negativity of experience and blaming the strangers for intruding the continent, it will only reinforce devastating images of Africans among ourselves and other races who do not understand how difficult survival was and is for a continent that almost paralyzed, thus it has far been the strength for Africans today.

As the world express disdain for the practice of slavery and racial injustice towards Africans coupled with the admiration of love for those who fought against the horrific act, it should be noted regarding the contrasting view that slavery was introduced to Africa by westerners.

Though the Western world played a major role in slavery but it is suffice to say that slavery has been existence in Africa before the arrival of the westerners on African lands, War prisoners and captives were usually taken as slaves by highly placed members of the society.

Some prominent members of the society also got slaves as gifts and later became a lucrative business during the ‘Transatlantic’ slave trade era, it was Africans who sold Africans to the Westerners as the later rarely go inlands to search for slaves, this has mostly been the case of slavery in Africa, the worst man’s act on the continent has always been engineered by its owns who trade fellow ones for peanuts.

Many thought this ancient act which has been outlawed through numerous human rights accords and labor rights agreements though most countries adopted these laws globally but the irony part is that the most affected victims who are Africans haven’t actually enforce them. no doubt, once again, it is corruption that preserves such negligence which is why it is still concomitant in our daily lives with our maids who are brought from other parts of the country or the continent, they work tirelessly for us and don’t get paid to, instead pay their earnings to agents who only God knows where and how they get this innocents souls.

They are sometimes too young to work which can be regarded as child labor, they take care of our day to day activities in our homes, offices, shops, markets and to mention just a few. Even if it comes with the consent of their parents sometimes it is still slave trade, because parents who gets paid for child’s labor has also enslave the child and doesn’t make much of a different to the current Libyan situation which has raised eyebrows, some female ones are taken to foreign lands as sex machines who needed to work to regain their freedom.

The slave trade that is going on in Libya is definitely one of the biggest if not the biggest atrocity of this century and serves as a major setback for Africa’s growth, it is also an eye opener to many of its kind that is presently operating within and beyond the terrain of the continent, recently, 26 teenage Nigeria migrant girls were found dead in the Mediterranean in early November.

Everything still goes down to the point that our system has failed us and some feel they are already slaves in a system they don’t trust but will rather be a slave in a system they trust, so they turn to migration as life safer though it can sometimes be undesirable but the government leave them with no choice, history has it, the most exploited are the poor, with improper government scheme in this part of the world to support the majority who are destitute, a search for greener pasture elsewhere is not a bad option regardless of the unknown.

However ignorance is never an excuse, regardless of the situation we find ourselves Africans need to value a fellow African, trust each other to make life better for one another, our leaders need to make life better with our wealth of resources, we Africans need to speak for each other, also come up with realistic dreams not that of plucking money on trees in the western world and importantly there’s is only one race which is the human race.