Mayhem Vol
Mayhem Vol Professor Emman Osakwe SAILING TODAY FOR NATIONAL SHAME tomorrow to fame: SOCIAL AS A PILOT STUDY 17th in the series of conferences OPENING OF THE DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY, Abraka, Ni...
Mayhem Vol
Professor Emman Osakwe
SAILING TODAY FOR NATIONAL SHAME tomorrow to fame:
SOCIAL AS A PILOT STUDY
17th in the series of conferences OPENING OF THE DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY, Abraka, Nigeria.
Delivered by
Professor Emman Osakwe
B.Sc. (NIG), M.Ed. (Philadelphia), MA (London) Ph.D (Ibadan)
Professor of Social Studies and Dean of the Graduate School,
Delta State University, Abraka.
On Thursday, February 26th, 2009
© Copyright 2009 Delta State University, Abraka
All Rights Reserved
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or by any means, photocopying, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the copyright owners.
ISBN 978-33872 – 7-4
Published February 2009 by
DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY, Abraka,
Delta State, Nigeria.
Printed by
Jeco Justice Press and Publishers Ltd.,
Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Prologue / Preface
This teacher is accused teacher + … Famous +, Nigeria will become
(A Song of love for my husband and the new Nigeria)
And he said, "Marry me, May!"
I did not do such a thing: not to marry "master" May said
Slag Profession: Professor – disqualified
However, more revealing, stopping the voice of the class! – Qualified
This teacher now prosecuted, is a teacher, prophet and priest.
Palm oil, the brush and sponge, Banga soup – Palm processed
Through fire, through water, the sharp blade, the agents of decay – Processed
As kero, diesel, gasoline, cream, gel, this balm – crude processing
Emman Osakwe, master processing, a voice beyond
Beyond the gallery of nations.
Processed through the pain, deprivation, denial, then mocked,
Responsible mounts the rostrum today, here it comes:
My husband, my director, mon pere
Transformed by the fire, through water, denied his due
The principal teacher of teachers of teachers
He is a teacher, teachers teachers teaching teachers.
Peak Promotion refused for ten years!
My fellow parents, persevering through the years!
Liking diamonds processed carbon, my prince of patients and peace maker
This master teacher charged Knowledge:
Intellectual and divine, has a message:
Nigeria is the process through shame —
Shame of corruption, grave-like greed!
The shame of mismanagement and misrule
Bad government, high yield of poverty of affluence giant
The shame of monumental waste of resources
The shame of evil and religious impiety
Processing through shame to our desired fame:
Our country famous, yes, our country;
My homeland, the land of my pain, land my shame
Land of his birth, the land of their pain, the land of your shame
Dependent too long after independence, fragile as the eaglet
For this fragile marsh, about to fall, unable to fly,
It will become the great eagle in flight
Famous bird to fly but not to fly —
Land of my birth, the land of his birth, the land of our birth
Land of my fame, land of his fame, the land of our reputation —
Nigeria is the name!
Mabel Osakwe Ejima (2009)
President, English language
Delta State University, Abraka
COURTESY
The Vice-Chancellor,
The Vice Chancellor (Admin.)
The Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
The rectors, Asaba and Oleh Campus,
The Acting Secretary,
The treasurer,
The librarian University,
The Rector of the Faculty of Health Sciences,
Dean of the Faculty of Education,
Deans from other faculties,
Professors and other members of the Senate,
Heads of Department and other academic colleagues,
The administrative staff and technical
Lords Spiritual and temporal
The members of my nuclear and extended family,
My in-laws,
Distinguished guests,
Gentlemen of the Press,
Great DELSUITES,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Preamble
I am honored and privileged to be called upon to deliver the 17th Inaugural Conference of the Delta State University, Abraka. I thank God for granting us mercy trip this meeting and I think it will all go home safe in Jesus' name – Amen.
Did you buy and read newspapers today? How listen mind many gory stories? What is the latest about militancy and criminality in the Niger Delta? How painful! You can try take your mind off the problems of depression and feed your mind with dreams of greatness to Obama and so will ours. Yes, welcome to this forum! For this God given the opportunity to reflect and discuss social issues similar to those raised earlier in this tip of welcome. I'm afraid that although I have the monopoly of the word in this debate is what is called a conference. But the launch of his mind to travel along as the social studies of our pilots navigating through shame Today Tomorrow fame.
INTRODUCTION
The first thing to pay attention to the nature and purpose of studies Social and how it serves as a vehicle to address the issues of our time. Briefly, Social Studies is about learning to live and participate in this world, at a particular time and place, therefore we have the formula:
SSE = PSPT
People P =
S = Society
P = place
t = time
This conference is an in-depth discourse in the academic aspects of my experience and my contribution to social studies as a field of knowledge, is governed by the formula as shown SSE and the nature of Social Studies.
Here then, P means that the people Nigerian, S means the Nigerian society, p, the geographical entity called Nigeria Nigeria t mean yesterday, today and tomorrow. At this conference, yesterday, Nigeria, involves pre-colonial of Nigeria to the time before the 2nd Republic, while now extends to Nigeria in the period 2nd Republic to date.
We are aware that this audience is not only interdisciplinary "Bata" but also diverse "city." It will be then to operate within this defined perimeter.
Social Science affects every facet of human existence: the man himself as a product of nature and social man as a product of upbringing, arising from social, political, economic and physical. Social studies has therefore long been identified as a true instrument or reshapening towards society. (Lawton and Durfour 1973, Osakwe 1993) The nature, content and scope of social studies, makes it a manly instrument to development of a new social – the political order. This professor has professed majorly in this area of social studies and has 20 publications related to the current discourse. Four of these are listed here:
Osakwe, EO (1992) "Social studies and the military in Nigerian politics" Nigerian Journal of Social Studies Review Vol 2, No. 2, pp. 89-91
Osakwe, EO (1993a) Education for Citizenship: the Hub of Social Studies in Nigeria Journal of Social Studies Review. Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 23-38.
Osakwe, EO (1994a) Education for citizenship in a multi-ethnic society: some perspectives teaching. Studies in Education vol. 2. No. 1. April. Pp 60-64.
Osakwe, EO (1994b) Educational Strategies for Teaching Science Social: Use of copies and not copies of Nigeria Journal of Social Studies Vol III, 1 and No. 2 pp. 49-55.
In Nigeria, Social Studies found practical expression in the school system after the 1969 National Curriculum Conference. The issue is people oriented and thus build construction of the nation (Osakwe 1993). The potential for social studies are not yet fully exploited in the search for a desirable socio-political and economic.
Social Studies deals with human relationships. The world is constantly undergoing changes and social studies remains a veritable tool for examining these changes, whether positive or negative. Social Studies focuses on human beings (people) and everything that strikes them.
Areas of Emphasis Social Sciences
The knowledge included in social studies is important in relation to the generalizations about human relationships, institutions and problems, coupled with the facts to ensure that these generalizations are clearly understood (Osakwe and Itedjere 1993). Social Studies examines issues and problems in a holistic point of view – thus solving a problem or a problem, social studies examines the historical dimensions, cultural, sociological, economic, physicists and others. Unlike the vertical concentration is remarkable in most school subjects, social studies takes a horizontal spiral in the analysis of IT issues. Social Sciences, has strong affinity with the social sciences, but should not be seen as an amalgam of the social sciences.
Science Social Education is a way to give young people a sense of hope in the future and confidence in their ability to solve social and environmental problems of individuals, their community, state or nation.
On this occasion, this conference deals with one aspect of my discipline that is academic and public interest – Navigating the Nation by the shame of Fame today morning: Social Studies as a pilot.
Addressing the problems of yesterday, today and tomorrow automatically provides three segments of speech, and Nigeria Nigeria Nigeria Yesterday Today Tomorrow.
NIGERIA – YESTERDAY
It is simplistic to address the problems of nation building in Nigeria today, without paying due attention to our past world and the past because it affects our past and present.
Mr. Vice-Chancellor, Mr President, the education system we have inherited from our colonial masters, although criticized by us away from our culture, produced and disciplined individuals who are regarded as pillars of our democracy and national development. Our education system old was very structured, organized and predictable. This was the era in which education was entirely the responsibility of the Government or agencies of the Mission. training centers sufficient staff, equipment and supervision was effective. The academic calendar was stable with little interruption. A new entrant in the system was able to predict when he / she will graduate. Graduation is not a candidate at the right time was not the fault of the school or institution, but the inability of students to work hard enough to graduate as planned by the educational establishment. The period under review was marked by students in elementary and secondary schools to get uniforms that were uniform in fact. There was no provision for students to their seats / desks or for the inmates, provide their own beds. Laboratories in secondary and tertiary institutions is comparable to what obtained in other parts of the world.
Good moral education was an integral part of education in 1970 to 80 before the end of Nigeria. Relation between students and teachers, students and teachers and students and teachers at various levels of education owes a great professional. incidents examination malpractice were very rare and anyone who is threatening the integrity of the review was quickly treated. incidents of students in grades negotiating with teachers or lecturers / teachers call "incentives" were almost nonexistent. During the period under review, the academic standards at universities in the first generation of Nigeria was commendable and comparable to what obtained in the more advanced countries of Europe and America. The period witnessed massive staff exchange universities abroad. Our universities have real international focus and reputation, with staff and students from around the world. In addition to the international vocation of our universities and scholars, university professors were highly respected and is on the cusp of social classification. Okech (2008) rightly pointed out that stating the title of "professor" was struck. The office of the Vice-Chancellor was very reverred. The Vice Chancellor was more respected than any government-appointed.
The majority of Nigerians who went through higher education have a form of financial support or the other of the Government. Education is a worthwhile venture and was seen as the key that opened the door to success and fame.
The laziness, theft, prostitution, ostentatious living, greed, oppression, social and territorial inequality is considered extremely shameful in Nigeria in the past. It was common practice, for example, for the seller to leave the diary at the Lodge, the goalkeeper as the students were trusted to release the money and collect the papers. Similarly, the product of Rag day is used for charity as expected. Social services are frowned and there was no greater sense of responsibility among citizens, including public office holders. The workers reported to their jobs at the expected time and remained at work until closing. The school and other institutions were closed the doors at 8 am and continued so on. Closing Absenteeism was an aberration and something seriously frowned. There was freedom of political association, despite the political divisions was along the three main ethnic groups, with the exception of the Middle Belt, which had its own political identity. It is possible that close relatives belonging to different political parties and yet live in harmony. The example of Ikokus can attest to this fact – that a father and son belonged to two opposing sides.
Human beings are political animals in general. The ability to organize people into groups with any political motive is a basic instinct inherent in humans. The Nigerians are very eloquent political beings. It is the practice of traditional politics and the community that has always been with us. There has been a fusion between the traditional and modern social life and party politics. Since culture is not static, traditional practices is also adjusted to accommodate the new challenges and developments and cultural contacts with their attendant consequences. The social life of a people and its political culture, largely affects many other areas of life. Nigeria is a political amalgamation. This is indicative of the cultural plurality of the country. To a large extent, the North was much more articulate and politically sensitive. This probably explained by the practice in the North where our brothers are always on the radio and listen to local and international news, which always informed. Social Life and party politics is not a function of the Nigeria, Western education. Some Southerners despite their level of education, are still politically naive and can not read or understand the political horizon. 's the economy during this period was very stable and depended on agriculture. This was the era of the pyramids peanut. Nigeria is the world's largest producer of peanuts, rubber, palm oil and kernels, soybeans, Benise and also a major cotton producer, 2nd largest producer cocoa. It was during this time that Malaysia came to Nigeria for our oil and rubber plants to try at home. We know that both countries are now in production palm oil and rubber.
Solid minerals like coal, tin and columbite were drawn in economic quantities and Nigeria was known for be a world power in the production of these minerals. The dynamism of the economy is stimulated by the discovery of black gold (oil) in Nigeria. Gradually, began to shift emphasis from agriculture to oil … … …. the mainstay of the Nigerian economy. Nigeria's currency was strong and highly sought after during this period.
Exchange rate between 70 and 80
German American British Nigeria
3.64 DM Stg N1 PD U.S. $
- £ 0,615 $ 1.51
The above figures show a vivid picture of the strength of the naira at the moment.
Nigeria is a good service road, rail, air, mar. During this period there were over 95,000 km of roads paved and more than 3,200 miles of railroad track metrics. Nigeria had only two international airports in Lagos and Kano. Both the north and south attracted significant investment in infrastructure development, especially in rail and roads, as well as some social services such as electricity, water supply, hospitals, schools and universities. This period was marked by the staff of the Public Works Department (PWD) to compensate for the pasture the sides of the road to ensure long distance and clear vision of drivers and road users. The roads were regularly maintained – even then, the roads are narrow and sometimes wind is motorable throughout the year.
Nigeria Airways was the pride of West Africa. It stood above other airlines in the sub-region. Nigeria pilots were known for their courtesy, competence and confidence. His take-off and landing was remarkable and without shocks and hiccups. Nigeria Airways flew constantly Europe, Asia, USA and several routes in Africa without blemish. The DC 10s, Boeing 737, 707 and 747 were constant on international routes, while smaller aircraft served the local (internal) routes. Closer to home here, the waterway to Obiaruku Ethiopian Sapele across the river was navigable and construction materials were transported through this channel.
Security of lives and properties was largely secured during this period. It is possible to travel through the night without fear of thieves. Night travel was preferred by a number of Nigerians. incidents of armed robbery was rare and was easy to trace offenders. It was fashionable to participate in crime because there was no general social rejection or dislike for any individual who was known for being a criminal or social deviant.
NIGERIA TODAY
Today, Nigeria has traded his dignity the values of diligence, patriotism, high ethical standards, their abundant natural resources of old habits for glory colloquially known as the "Nigerian factor": the pursuit of injustice, values upwards endemic corruption and misrule gross. Today Nigeria is fatally ill himself a deliberately inflicted injury. Most of what is happening in Nigeria today stands at the national shame, our pain and misery. The shame is most evident in our "new politics" that is marked by violence leading to loss of lives and property, massive rigging and murder. Beneficiaries who do not deserve to hasten efforts to convince and confuse the masses to support the results of their political prowess. Almost immediately rushed approval of the entire country, especially some Christian and Islamic clerics and other self-seeking leaders to pontificate on the fallacy that governments and leaders are elected and ordained by God and we must accept things as they are, in order to save our nascent democracy. But peace without justice can not stand the test of time and is an invitation to anarchy.
Unlike what happens in democracies Western and other stable policies that election results were declared within 24 hours on the closing of the polls in Nigeria, it could take three days. In some ridiculous situations, such as local elections are even smaller geographic entities for the management, still has days before the results officially published. This custom drag leaves room for manipulation and bodywork of figures. Despite all these ridiculous figures are released as the results. In some cases, more votes than the number of registered voters. Multiple voting is not uncommon. The Court's ruling in Edo State revealed that voter voted fictitious and some others have voted several times as it is supposed voters across the Atlantic.
The basis for any democratic state stable and functional is the electoral process. This should be seen as a key issue in a country like ours. The electoral process is a political choice by the people. Next to gossip market and corridor discussions, voting is the only activity that demonstrates the degree of participation of people in politics. When the free and secret ballot, vote takes place, the direction and amount of individual participation out boldly in its true form.
In a survey conducted by this teacher, in 1998, the degree of apathy expressed by young people was amazing.
Percent possible participation in national elections
S / NO
CATEGORY
STUDENTS NOT RESPONDING TO EACH CATEGORY
TOTAL NO OF STUDENTS
PERCENT OF TOTAL
1.
Indifferent or undecided
162
250
65%
2.
Yes or interested
63
250
25%
3.
No or not interested
25
250
10%
This was almost a decade before the 2007 election monumentally fraudulent, however, the figure reveals high level of alienation and disenchantment with politics and the electoral process among youth. In most cases, this alienation or apathy leads to high level political disinterest. effective citizen participation depends on a knowledge of how the system actually works.
Our citizens have not been systematically exposed to methods of operation of our political system. A good number of our youth have been left to wander aimlessly in the political arena in Nigeria. This has resulted in misinformation or repression of the political instincts of youth towards national issues.
Our electoral process and the results therefore protest unprecedented in the annals of elections anywhere in the world. Many Nigerians are of the view that an individual vote does not count – that are predetermined outcomes. This has led to apathy and despair by a serious segment of the electorate (see Osakwe 1998 Ogini 2008). On June 12, 1993, elections, res judicata to be free was nullified ignomity to the chagrin of Nigerians. Since then the situation has worsened. It is understandable that now much cynicism toward elections and the electoral process for many Nigerians.
Another concern in this discourse is that politics in Nigeria is no longer seen as an avenue for the service, but has become a means of rapid ascent to wealth and public recognition. This has led to the emergence of political upstarts with twisted mind on the expectation of the electorate politics. Their lifestyle is marked by extravagant living, luxury cars, including armored vehicles, escorts and intimidation with the sirens of all opponents and those who perceive that they refuse to acknowledge his new found position and wealth that are difficult to handle. What now witnessing is a repetition of the biblical Haman Mordecai saga. Haman, a political newcomer who is paid a large sum of money to ensure that the Jewish race is removed only by the Jew Mordecai not bow to him.
It is a sign of political immaturity to try to use political opportunism to settle scores. Is a show of shame and reflection of the struggle against a complex. The policy should be a very exciting part of our National life, but is now a matter of life and death, sometimes sending chills of the population. Therefore, the organization or conduct of elections in Nigeria is war and life several went to the elections in Nigeria.
Political assassinations
Between 1999 and 2009, 39 cases of policy – motivated murders were recorded in the country. The timing of these murders reveals that it is usually more frequent in the years preceding the year of elections and the right choice. For example, there were 17 murder cases between 2002 and 2003, 9 cases were recorded between 2005 and 2007 (another pre-election and election period).
Political assassinations – 1999-2009 (- a representation graph)
In the most recent elections in Nigeria, firearms were used freely. Jos crisis in November / December 2008 more than 500 lives were lost in the chaos of losing the election. Several of the victims were hospitalized with gunshot wounds. How does this compare with what happens elsewhere in the world, where election results are respected and the electoral process is conducted in an orderly manner?
A common feature of the terrain policy in Nigeria is the issue of recycling of individuals and families – Give the impression that something is eternal mandate that these individuals and families should be always there. How can we explain a situation in which some political actors who were contemporaries of the late Wise, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, continue prowling the corridors of power. There are some individuals who have remained in political flirtations over the 29 years of military government in the democratic era in Nigeria. What sentence almost two years after the 2007 general election, there are still several yet-to-be-decided court cases.
It is a fact that since the elections the dispute, Nigerians of various efforts, have joined in the search for a reform process that the water tree in a transparent, free and fair elections to remove the rancor that greeted the results of the April 2007 polls, and literally created the hatred and anarchy.
How long Nigerians living with this level of rancor and uncertainty? When transparency of elections are conducted so as to end the loser is rapid, even concede defeat and congratulate the winner? In U.S. elections on 4 November 2008, the Republican presidential candidate John McCain grace granted victory to the candidate Democratic presidential Barack Obama in less than 24 hours after the polls. The winner and the loser of the American elections did not have to wait for the Chief Electoral announce the outcome of the election result most famous in the world. It was based on the results as announced live on the Cable News Network (CNN).
It is instructive to note here that on national television in Nigeria, the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) had a live coverage of U.S. elections. Why was not possible to meet our national elections in vivo. Some international observers were denied entry and their reports overtaken by our authorities election, however, Nigerians went to Ghana to monitor the elections! Our electoral process is not transparent and acceptable. That still has not done so nationally and internationally.
CORRUPTION
Corruption is used here to catch a condition or state of lying, dishonesty, illegitimacy, illegality or injustice directed towards the acquisition of power, money or position for private gain and sectionals.
The Corruption has become endemic in Nigeria and a corrupt cultural system would generate a corrupt society. A society and people naturally occurring in its type, except which is a cultural or radical surgery is not a re-orientation as a result of time: Recall the formula for Social Studies. The Nigerian society provides a terrain fertile ground for fraudulent practices, leading to the institutionalization of corruption. A corrupt society according to Lewis (2008) produces corrupt leaders and followers, copy or corrupt leaders and corrupt institutions establish corrupt institutions create a multiple of corrupt systems. This may explain why almost no institution or system that is free of corruption in Nigeria. religious establishments are not exempt from this. Corruption is indeed the worst enemy of Nigeria, preventing citizens from enjoying the huge natural resources. Corruption is detrimental to economic growth. Increased income inequality and poverty by reducing economic growth. It also promotes and supports the unequal distribution of asset ownership and unequal access to education (Olajide, 2008).
Despite the creation of agencies to combat corruption, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and other related crimes Commission (ICPC), corrupt practices have continued to manifest itself in various ingenious ways noticeable and in Nigeria. This monster called Corruption has remained the bane of leading the country towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Recently, in an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Drugs and Narcotics and financial crimes, the Executive Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), argued Some Nigerians have taken advantage of falling world prices and Criss had been across the world day and night to buy property with money stolen from the country. The perpetrators of this crime knows how to defeat all the mechanisms put in place to verify their nefarious activities. Our image has been seriously undermined by the activities corrupt Nigerians. Corruption among Nigerians is also manifest in Internet fraud, and the marked advance free fraud (aka 419). A number of innocent Nigerians and foreigners have been victims of Internet fraud and the Advance of the commission. A number of young people now living large and fat from the proceeds of corruption and fraud.
Nigeria's image has been seriously eroded throughout the world as a result of the fraudulent practices of some of our citizens. Several Nigerians are languishing in prisons in several countries – some of which were not so fortunate, were executed by the authorities of the countries in which committed the atrocities. The war against corruption seem to have been a focus during the Obasanjo regime. Yar Ardua's government promised that there would sacred cows against their government to fight corruption. However, his war against corruption was the subject of serious skepticism and cynicism after the reallocation of the former President of the anti-corruption work and many thereafter, culminating in his dismissal. It is a sad commentary and sends a very wrong message to Nigerians and the international community.
The pace of the crusade against corruption is slowly grinding to a halt, and some observers are really worried, because the suffering of the masses, they feel have been caused by a few individuals who have diverted money earmarked for the welfare of the masses to personal gain. One of the apparent reasons why corruption has continued to pervade throughout Nigeria can be that the three tiers of government nozzle to its eradication.
Corruption has hurt the political and the generality of our people is immeasurable and incalculable. The malaise pervades all strata of society, including public institutions. According to this opinion Day 5 November 2008, nothing works well in Nigeria due to corruption. Several roads are in a deplorable state, even when attempts are made to the rehabilitation of roads, corruption not allow a thorough job and durable.
Education and corruption
Sexual harassment has become so pervasive in education Nigeria top. It's a very worrying state of the situation. The issue of sexual harassment in institutions of higher education has attracted the attention of a number academics – (Osakwe 2008, Igborgbor 2008, Okech, 2008). Sexual harassment is a manifestation of power relations and often girls and women are on the receiving end. Sexual harassment is not limited to any age level – some of the older scholars have been known to participate in this abominable game. Some scholars have lost their jobs resulting from this crime. Some have continued to exploit and pollute the girls and public flaunting his sexual adventures. Some girls and married women have been traumatized, all in a bid to acquire a degree or diploma from other tertiary institutions. Closely related to the issue sexual harassment is corruption in our educational system from primary to university level. Pupils and students are forced to pay a tax or another. Signing of report arbitrators, the removal, so of course card details – attracting all the illegal ones. Some time in the history of Nigeria,
The Teachers at all levels of education gained enormous respect for the members of the public. Seen as honest, disciplined and morally above board, was more fashionable then looking for a teacher when a public office that calls for a person of high integrity became vacant. Who had the aura of the holy and always showed right fans every time they had the opportunity to contribute their expertise to influence public affairs. However, this sacred integrity of the class academic appears to have taken his license as the country continues to stink of corruption (Aghedo 2008).
In the last couple of years, three teachers paid Price of sexual exploitation of girls and had to be unhappy in his position. There are still many more waiting to be unhappy. academic corruption has assumed different dimensions ranging from plagiarism, victimization, muzzling academic freedom, erosion of mentoring in the production of foot soldiers / "academic hostage taking "- For the young academics under a senior colleague have no choice but to obey orders from his master. Academic freedom that once characterized the university system is fast giving way to erosion and the campus dangerous politicians, gangs and other interest groups – whose interests are some things other than academics.
Examination malpractice has also become a serious problem besetting education in Nigeria. The phenomenon has become a monster and will only very bold and ruthless measures to eliminate it. The unfortunate situation is that some people expected to address this issue are products of examination malpractice themselves.
- Examination malpractice is not restricted to gender, both boys and girls are firmly in the business.
Transport and corruption
Airports lack necessary facilities, National Agency for Emergency Management (NEMA) can not locate the air shipwreck sites. The latest challenge place until several months later by hunters. The railway lines to be dysfunctional – some rail lines are now used by traders to display their wares.
Attitude general corruption
People do not express bitterness and shock every time they hear talk of billions of naira being stolen from public coffers, it has become a daily occurrence. For example, it was reported that in a month, a governor of a state that is intended N1bn (billion naira) in the state of security – A state where there was no war, no breakdown of law and order.
The state of corruption in Nigeria today is a product of inconsistent and erratic the war against corruption – After having been fought to a standstill by General Murtala Mohammed, between 1975 and 1976 track, like Buhari / Idiagbon and more later by Nuhu Ribadu would have brought the monster to his knees. However, the period between Muhammad Buhari and General Babangida brought in, who ruled between 1985 and 1993. Unlike the Buhari regime which came hard on looters of public funds several of which were given various prison sentences, Babangida Total assets of the various officers and restored the ranks of the officers fired. Call it a reward of corruption! This story can be repeated once more if the plight of Nuhu Ribadu is allowed to continue. Call it punishment for the fight against corruption! The war against corruption at the moment is sleeping.
The Corruption and the Energy Sector
Two thousand (2,000) megawatts of electricity in 2008, compared to 3,000 produced in 2003. These figures are ridiculous. South Africa with a population of 60 million generates 45,000 MW and the South African government aims to increase its capacity to 60,000. How Nigeria can still claim to be the giant of Africa? Our industries and small businesses provide their own electricity – How can the equilibrium point compared to the exorbitant cost of production due mainly to lack of constant supply of public power. How many dreams can be updated industrial Nigeria in light of the current energy challenges. Despite the president's plan to declare a state of emergency in the energy sector, things have not improved. small businesses, crafts and various self-employed Nigerians have been forced to close their businesses due to lack of availability of energy.
This is reported (Tell 8 December that in one month (November, 2008), worsening energy situation forced the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to announce loss of generation capacity of 800 MW – In the same period Sapele NPP was completely closed and the power station was operating in Lagos Egbin "with a small capacity. Exactly 10 days later, reported the PHCN additional loss of 200 MW. All these factors have been responsible for power zone on 12 pitches ration to maintain system stability and ensure the allocation of limited production plants in operation. Under the rotation plan, PHCN divided the country into zones. Each zone receives 12-hour electricity, although this is no guarantee that the light was coming. There are areas and sections of the country where the outage is more regular than the public supply. Even the "promised" additional 6500 MW by 2009 is very far from our expected electricity demand in Nigeria.
In addition, we were informed (Tell December 2008) that each university spends more than N120 million dollars a year on diesel. What a colossal waste of money that would have been plowed into other areas of university administration. Not many universities in Nigeria can even afford to spend the staggering sum of money for electricity. This, of course, does not include regular electricity bills of PHCN.
LA CORRUPTION AND STEEL INDUSTRY
The iron and steel has swallowed billions of dollars since 1980 – but there is nothing to show. The federal government established the Ajaokuta and Delta steel plant, with three domestic mills Oshogbo, Jos and Katsina. Steel plants and rolling mills have not been able to fulfill the aspirations of the Nigerian steel, mainly due to corruption and beaurcactic bottlenecks. What we have now is more like museums steel instead of steel plants. What explains the astronomical cost of imported iron and steel products, where are supposed to be producers of the product? In some plants, components and spare parts are no longer produced anywhere in the world. Equipment components are completely obsolete thus leaving the engineers to cannibalize existing components to the point that there is nothing to appeal.
The Minister of State who oversees the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, recently stated with Nigerians to be patient with the pace of development, stating that, "theirs is not a government to go slow." Unfortunately, Nigerians can not but believe that the present and the past administration have no clear policy on how to redesign the iron and steel and the position for Nigeria industrial boom. How long will Nigerians wait for the launch of an effective iron and steel? Several Nigerians were sent to Europe, Russia and Japan to be trained to the iron and steel. All these high-caliber human resources have been dismissed in the face of the privatization policy of the past administration. Some of the steel plants were concessions to political partners / business associates of the government of the time.
The iron and steel is the cornerstone any sense technological and industrial development of any nation. Nigeria can not afford to remain a perennial importer of steel products. This sector should contribute significantly to economic development in Nigeria. There seems to be a clear roadmap leading to Nigeria to become a major player in steel development on the African continent. How can the dream of making Nigeria one of the top 20 world economies in 2020 are met? How can achieve when primary steel mills have been privatized into the wrong hands? Control of the primary source of steel (liquid level) is the control of the nation's industrial development. The iron and steel then is a critical area of economic development should not be left to investors both foreign and indigenous.
The railway line that links dedicated Delta Steel Company, Aladja, Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and Nigerian Iron Ore Mining Company Itakpe not yet finished – Until this is done the total value of firms can not be realized. The proposed railway line, like other governments in several projects is more like a project abandoned already experiencing rapid depreciation. The Niger river has not yet been dredged and the Escravos estuary is not yet clear. ever liquid steel can be produced in Ajaokuta without all these things are being put in place.
EXTRA JUDICIAL MURDERS
A question that has troubled many Nigerians and sent shivers down the spines of citizenship has to do with the extra-judicial killings. A number of families who have been traumatized arising from the loss of their loved ones in the border incidents in the extrajudicial killing. The unfortunate aspect of this development is that the evidence was completely erased or the victims are presented as criminals – the dead can not speak for himself. Some examples reinforce the point here – almost two decades ago, a Nigerian athlete Give Udo star was shot dead at a police check point. This has also been the fate of a number of innocent Nigerians at several checkpoints by police across the country at one time or another. In 2002, some traders traveling along the Okene – Lokoja road were stopped by some policemen who discovered they had a lot money on them. The police tied to traders and the packages on the bus and set it on fire, while taking away with their millions of naira. One of the businessmen and survived miraculously escaped and reported the incident. The police arrived later arrested, tried and duly punished. A renowned journalist, died Awosika Bayo circumstances surrounding extrajudicial execution. It was alleged that he died after his vehicle hit a police van and then a somersault several times before landing on another part of the road. Despite the assertion of Somersault, there was no dent in the vehicle, the car brakes still Bayo I was in, and there was a piece of wood under the car. Postmortem examination revealed that the boy died from an injury missile – that is, was beaten by a metal moving fast (bullet). Could have been another case of extrajudicial killing. The case of Mr. John Abah in Benue State is still very fresh. On 14 November 2008, bullets fired by a patrol team of police beating him, the boy had left that evening to relax with friends when his life was cut short. The incident leading to his premature death is attributable to a rift between the deceased and a police officer in a public brewery. In 2006, police killed a young in the same city – Oturkpo, during a protest by residents PHCN center due to a power outage.
On 2 December 2008, the authorities of the University Lagos State, were forced to issue a press release about the filming of their students. This was sequel to the film of the 25th November 2008, 4 students University who had gone to the identification of Local Government. From the swift reaction of the authorities of the Lagos State University, Governor of the State went into action. The officers lost were arrested and subsequently dismissed. One student shot finally succumbed to his injuries despite efforts combination of the Lagos State Government and Lagos State University to save his life. The question is how long will Nigerians endure this brutal and senseless murder of its citizens by the people expected to protect them? The murder of a student in Athens, Greece in early December 2008 triggered protests by students and teachers several consecutive days. The death of a Brazilian in the UK for a terrorist attack led to the persecution of the police concerned. In December 2008 a woman was killed in Ogun state – she was taken by an armed robber. Police spirit endeavored to explain away the fact that the woman was an armed robber. One youth was shot dead by police in front of a bank in Benin City to participate in a brawl in front of the bank – this incident took place in January 2009. In the same month of January, a young man was shot dead by police in Lagos in unexplained circumstances. Some commercial drivers have been victims of police shootings or other forms of brutality by his refusal to part with their money illegally "usual toll.
Development Goals (MDGs)
Following the Millennium Declaration that was adopted at the Millennium Summit held in New York, 6-8 September 2000, Nigeria committed to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015. These goals were the goals to measurable improvements in the lives of citizens more world's poor.
Goal I: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
Poverty continues to look for millions of Nigerians in the face. The degree hunger is clearly manifested at the funeral, weddings and other social events where free food and drinks are served generously by a few. In these meetings, several guests unwanted food fight. Worse yet, teenagers are milling anxiously waiting for those with an adequate service to leave the remains to be eating or taking. Many of our young men have become scavengers, in the midst of plenty is assumed.
According to Bolatito (2008), poverty exists where people lack means to satisfy their basic needs. These can be defined in a narrow sense, as the needs necessary for survival, or generally those needs that reflects the living standards prevailing in the community. Poverty describes a situation in which the peoples of resources (material, social and cultural), as so limited as to exclude such people from the minimally acceptable lifestyle. Poverty has many facets (Bolatito 2008), including lack of access to public services and infrastructure unhealthy environment, illiteracy and ignorance, poor health, insecurity, lack of voice and social exclusion, including low household income and insecurity food.
Between 1980 and 1996 period, the proportion of poor people increased from 28.1% in 1980 to 65.6% in 1996. This, in terms of numbers translates into 17.7 million poor people in 1980 and 67.1 million people in 1996. It is estimated that by 2015, between 30.1 million and 40.4 million people still live in the poverty in Nigeria.
According to the Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD 2005), Nigeria, with an annual per capita income of just $ 300, is one of the 20 poorest countries in the world. Nigeria is estimated to grow at a 3% national savings rate is approximately 15%. In the midst of other great challenges of declining infrastructure and corruption, how can Nigeria achieve the Millennium Development Goal number one?
Since independence, Nigeria has declined steadily in the group of countries with low human development, characterized by a (HDI) ratio less than 0.5 (on a scale of 0-1). With a score of 0.470, Nigeria occupies a lowly 158th position in countries like Eritrea and Senegal are doing better. This is a shame really, really big. How can you say that Benin Republic and Rwanda are higher in the scale of Nigeria's GDP per capita.
Table 1: Human Development Index of Nigeria 2005
Asset IND
Life expectancy at birth (years)
Adult Literacy
(between 154% and more)
Combined primary, secondary and tertiary gross enrollment ratio (%)
GDP per capita (PPP U.S. $)
1. Iceland (0.968)
1. Japan (82.3)
1. Georgia (100.0)
1. Australia (113.0)
1. Luxembourg (60,228)
156. Senegal (0,499)
163.Botswana (48.1)
102.Algeria (69.9)
136.Nepal (58.2)
158.Rwanda (1,206)
157.Eritrea (0,483)
1653.Cote d'Ivoire (47.4)
103.Tanzania (United
Republic of) (69.4)
137.Equatorial Guinea (58.1)
159.Benin (1.141)
158.Nigeria (0,470)
165.Nigeria (46.5)
104.Nigeria (69.1)
138.Nigeria (56.2)
160. Nigeria (1,128)
159.Tanzania (United Republic of) (0,467)
166.Malawi (46.3)
105. Guatemala (69.1)
139. Bangladesh (56.0)
161. Eritrea (1.109)
160. Guinea (0,456)
167.Guinea-Bissau (45.8)
106.Lao Democratic Republic (68.7)
140.Yemen (55.2)
162. Ethiopia (1055)
177.Sierra Leone (0.336)
177.Zambia (40.5)
139.Burkina Faso (23.6)
172.Niger (22.7)
174.Malawi (667)
2007/2008 Human Development Report, fact sheets – Nigeria
Some Table 2 indicators: human poverty for Nigeria
Human Poverty Index (HPI-1) 2004
Probability of not surviving beyond age 40 (5) 2004
Adult illiteracy rate (% ages 15 and older) 2004
People without access to improved water source (%) 2004
Children with low weight for age (% ages 0-5) 2004
1.Chad (56.9)
1.Zimbabwe (57.4)
1.Burkina Faso (76.4)
1.Ethiopia (78)
1.Nepal (48)
27.Yemen (38.0)
12.Congo (Democratic Republic of (41.1)
34.The Republic Popular Democratic (31.3)
8.Congo (Democratic Republic of (54)
22. Angola (31)
28. Burundi (37.6)
13.Guinea-Bissau (40.5)
35. Guatemala (30.9)
9. Fiji (53)
23.Maldives (30)
29. Nigeria (37.3)
14.Nigeria (39.0)
36.Nigeria (30.9)
10. Nigeria (52)
24.Nigeria (29)
30.Malawi (36.7)
15.Cote d'Ivoire (38.6)
37.Tanzania (United Republic of) (30.6)
11.Madagascar (50)
25.Sri Lanka (29)
31.Rwanda (36.5)
16.Uganda (38.5)
38.Algeria (30.1)
12. Mali (50)
26. Philippines (28)
108. Barbados (3.0)
173.Iceland (1.4)
164.Estonia (0.2)
125.Hungary (1)
134.Chile (1)
Human Development Report 2007/2008 – Country Fact Sheet – Nigeria
Tables 1 and 2 summarize the state of the sordid matters referred to the assessment of poverty in Nigeria at the global level. How MGD1 achievable in the face of this impressive level of poverty in Nigeria?
GOAL 2: Achieve universal primary education
The National Policy on Education (2004, revised) requires that "Government recognizes education as an instrument par excellence for national development effect. The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) are loaded with responsibility to ensure that Nigeria achieves the goal of universal primary education by 2015. How can this noble goal will be achieved in the face of the lack of cooperation from several states of the federation, which does not comply with requests for access to their funds for the State Universal Basic Education Program? Less than 50% of the states have been unable to comply with the payment of counterpart funds. Unless and until this is done, for example, the states of default and extension, the country will be unable to meet the 2015 target date for achieving universal primary education. What could be responsible for poor attitude several state governments in fulfilling their part of the obligation in this regard? Could it be that education is undervalued by the current democratic actors or that the conditions for accessing the fund does not permit the usual huge financial leakages in the wrong hands?
Nigeria also endorsed the Conference Jometien Education for All (EFA) by 2000, which sets targets for childcare and child development, primary education, literacy and basic secondary adult. The trend in gross enrollment ratio (GER) indicates that significant fluctuations in enrollment between 1991 and 2000. enrollment increased substantially between 1990 and 1994, from 68% to 86%. Since then, enrollment declined to 81% in 1995 and 70% in 1996. Therefore, Nigeria did not achieve the EFA goal Jometien 2000.
Universal Basic Education (UBE) guideline states that each primary and secondary school must have a science lab in general to address basic science and domestic science, a good bathroom ventilation for a maximum of 40 pupils or students per bathroom, a teacher to teach to handle or 40 pupils or students. These conditions so that you can get in our schools is a utopia, and can not be achieved even in 2015. Very few schools have the appearance of a laboratory. The bushes close to providing health services in some of our schools.
GOAL 3: Promote gender equality and empower women
The objective of this goal is to eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education by 2005 and for all levels of education no later than 2015. The indicators here are:
– Ratio of girls to boys in primary education secondary and tertiary education.
– Ratio of literate women to men 15-24 years of age.
– Percentage of women in wage employment in the agriculture sector not
– Proportion of seats held by women in national parliament.
Gender disparities are still obvious heavily on access to primary, secondary and tertiary education leading to unequal access to employment (Millennium Development Goals Report 2004)
It is estimated that 50% of Nigeria's population are women and girls, however, the gender disparity in access to primary education, secondary and tertiary back the pre-colonial era has its roots in traditional African culture. Is the goal of gender equality and empowerment of women achieved by 2015. The answer is obviously negative. Society must be prepared to deal with gender stereotypes and acceptance that the female gender can aspire to the highest height if society permits. The old notion of time as women are there only to make children or to meet the demands of the people of the pleasure of men should be discarded. Women excel in any chosen career come in, are very good and better stewards of the home and society. There should be no gender discrimination at work, public or private.
Goal 4 – Reduce child mortality
The National Report on Millennium Development Goals (2004) noted that there has been little progress in reducing child mortality. Estimates of the 2003 National Demographic and Health Survey put the under-five mortality rate of 217 per 1,000, with wide regional variations. urban and rural children under five years had mortality rates of 243 per 1,000 and 153 per 1,000, respectively. The projection of the goal in question, there must be a reduction of two thirds (2 / 3) of children under five by 2015. In other words, Nigeria should be able to reduce the morality of children under five to 49 per 1,000 in 2015. It is highly unlikely that Nigeria will meet the 2015 target of reducing mortality among children under five years two thirds (2 / 3).
The main obstacles to achieving the MDG goal 4 are poor access to services of health (poverty), HIV / AIDS and poor maternal health. Good health care costs money, and that is not within the reach of the poor that unfortunately are the majority of the population Nigeria. Corruption and greed has not yet enabled for free health services to the poor. Unfortunately, our leaders should ensure the services upper-class doctors in our public health institutions have failed in their responsibilities. It is these very people who can afford to travel overseas with the minor ailments.
Availability of facilities for health care, 1996 – 2000
(Per'000 people)
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
Number of physicians
0.212
0.207
0.201
0223
0.22
Number of hospital beds
0.677
0.643
0.613
0.575
0.639
The table shows the same sorry state of the facilities of health care in Nigeria. What efforts are on land ensure that the picture changed radically in the positive direction by the year 2015?
Goal 5: Improve maternal health
The aim of this target is to reduce maternal mortality by three quarters between 1990 and 2015. Although there has been a slight decrease in maternal mortality since 1990, the level is still high, approximately 1,000 per 100,000 live births since the late 1990s to 2001. The national maternal mortality rate was 704 per 100,000 live births, with a variation considerable regional (MDG Report 2004)
Maternal deaths in Nigeria, as in most developing countries are often attributed to lack of power of women and their unequal access to employment, finance, education, basic health care, and other resources.
The challenges to achieving the goal 5 MDGs include teen pregnancy, cultural practices, lack of health personnel and other infrastructure, especially in rural areas. Nigeria accounts 10% of global maternal deaths (UCAID 2008).
52,000 Nigerian women die each year from maternal complications. Lanre-Abass (2008) stated that the majority of births in Nigeria (66%) occur at home. A small percentage of women receiving postnatal care, which is crucial for monitoring and treatment of complications in the first two days after delivery. Nigerian health system has been plagued by problems of quality of service, including the hostile attitude of some health staff (doctors and nurses), insufficient knowledge, decaying infrastructure, shortages of essential drugs and counterfeit medicines.
Goal 6: HIV / AIDS, malaria and other diseases,
It is estimated that over 4.5 million adults and children in Nigeria living with HIV / AIDS in 2008. Cumulative AIDS deaths in 2008 was around 4.2 million people. These are alarming figures that should disturb any group of people (Osakwe 2008). The age groups most affected by the virus include 20 to 29 years of age, while the regions with higher prevalence rates are the North Central, Northeast, South and South zones. It is shocking to learn that the University treated 10,800 people with HIV between January and October 2008.
Several factors contribute the spread of HIV / AIDS in Nigeria, including sexual practices of networking, such as polygamy, a high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections Untreated sexual (STIs.), low condom use, poverty, low literacy, poor health, stigma and irresponsible sexual behavior. The prevalence of malaria in Nigeria remains high, and this is due to the abundance of blocked drains and general filth in aid of malaria vectors. An estimated a million deaths each year are recorded in Nigeria are derived from malaria. The fact that they have an insufficient number of well-trained medical personnel to implement programs as the national AIDS program remains a major challenge for the achievement of Goal 6 of the MDGs.
GOAL 7: Ensure environmental sustainability
Nigeria still faces the challenge of environmental sustainability. There are still significant problems related to land degradation, pollution, flooding, erosion, desertification, inefficient use of energy resources, loss of biodiversity, environmental disasters and deforestation. There are still poor access to improved sanitation facilities in Nigeria, which can be attributed to poor implementation of health and housing and other related policies, high levels of poverty, low awareness of issues relating to environmental sustainability and improvement of rural areas in general. Why erosion of ravines perennial in the Southeast, parts of Delta and Edo challenged the attention – instead, farmland and buildings are burnt each year, the roads cut and separate communities, children and adults are swept by the floods. How is understandable that in the 21st century, including some college campuses, students to defecate anywhere and worse in some women's shelters! "Short-put" has acquired a new meaning for this antisocial behavior. Students defecate in black polythene bags and throw it behind their rooms or left on the bathroom ends. Sometimes these human wastes are washed into gutters and drains, creating and health hazards. Excavations for building construction and sand can not be as obvious danger of an environment as it was short, but without resorting to excavation of the environmental impact leaves much pain and anguish of the people. Some Nigerian daily contribute to environmental degradation and the threat the lives and property of their careless and environment – hostile activities.
GOAL 8: Develop a global partnership for development
Nigeria has continued to play a leading role in regional cooperation initiative
About the Author
Mabel Ejime Osakwe (2009)
Chair, English Language
Delta State University, Abraka