₦airaland Forum

It is actually sad, how far people can go for fame's sake. A few days ago, Sky B reportedly declared himself dead and his management confirmed it true. The news went viral and many people expressed shock over his death. Those who had access extended condolences to his family, while the social media became fraught with sensational Rest in Peace (RIP) wherever it was mentioned. I felt sad too, but can't remember how exactly I reacted. Little did anyone know that the singer was merely looking for a way to 'trend' again; his career having gone into oblivion since nineteen before before. What a morally inappropriate and cowardly way to face life! This latest action of his, shows how morally bankrupt our society is going. What if the spirit of death now decides to beam its searchlight on Sky B? Will you "Pray For Him" or wish he dies eventually?

The fact that Nigeria's educational system has grossly deteriorated, is something that is not new and we all can't feign ignorance either. But it has rather gone from bad to worse. The NYSC DG's latest revelation that some graduate cannot write English alphabets correctly, is just too startling that one should chew with closed mouth.

This is because we are not talking about the English Parts of Speech, literary expression or any other technical aspect of the language here. We are talking about the basic "the ABCD..." which is considered the simplest of all knowledge that any learner should have and be able to read/recite even in the dream.The popular aphorism "as simple as ABCD" originated from this point of consideration.

I know a lot of people will say that the DG blew the situation out of proportion. Some would even argue that he was indirectly insulting his almajiri brothers in the North who are arguably the most unintelligent. But the truth remains that this revelation reflects a sad REALITY, with only little or no exaggeration, irrespective of where such graduates come from.

The most annoying part is that sometimes, we see, hear and read a lot of people (online and offline) trying to justify their inability to speak or write well, by merely arguing that "English is not our language". So, I will not be surprised if anyone guilty of this DG's allegation should put up the same audacious and atrocious alibi that irritates from the marrow.

Please, as many as would come across this post, I am not saying that I am perfect (I am not even close to being one) and truly don't think anyone is, just before you send me to Golgotha. I only feel that there should be, at least, a minimum standard for every graduate who has had the opportunity of going to school. There should be a difference between YOU and that ILLITERATE in your street.

The four basic English language skills: Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening, are all learned. We learn to speak by speaking; write by writing; and so on. They are no rocket science. You can do better, if you wish.

But then, if you can't speak or write well, own it up and don't give excuses. Acknowledge your deficiency and work on yourself to improve. Even the Bible admonishes Christians to study and show themselves approved.

Read books, watch intelligent movies and do anything else you think will make you a better person. And above all these, pray for GRACE. Those who do (speak and write well) are not some extraordinary persons, neither do they learn from the planet JUPITER.

Again, do not allow the fear of making blunders deprive you the chances of becoming a better person. The man who never makes a mistake is that man who never does anything. Even if people make jest of your poor grammar, don't give up. Seek correction from those who know better.

Don't give them reasons to call us LAZY or say we are UNEMPLOYABLE.

We can do BETTER!