Hakeem Tijani, ( tijanih@hsu.edu) historian based at Henderson State University, revisits two issues raised on Nigeria by a comment on hopelessness and recent education woes. Tijani was a lecturer in Lagos before his graduate school at the University of London.
On Hopelessness
It seems to me that Asiyanbola's divine intervention is typical of most Nigerians recipe for a prosperous nation in the future. The situation is however beyond divine intervention. Nigerians must continue to strive for development in all sectors and see solution beyond "the hand of God". The idea of "Diaspora Returnee Politicians" dominating electoral offices, or "Khaki Boys" now in "Agbada" being in charge of the nation, partly as a result of the lackadaisical attitudes of the Nigerian electorates, does not augur well for development of Nigeria in a post-imperial period. In addition, we need to stop alluding the "ghost of Lugard" or negative British legacy as the main reason for the current situation. While we cannot divorce colonial experience, and indeed, pre-colonial past from the totality African history, efforts should be concentrated upon finding solutions to the problems. If we are concern with moving forward; if we believe in "moveon.com" then our efforts should be geared towards finding solutions to the multi-dimensional nature of African problems. To me, the situation is not hopelessŠ There is "Hope" in Nigeria, as much as there is a place called "Hope". It really takes a village to survive, and in the case of Nigeria (or any African nation), it takes positive recipes to change the hopelessness.
On Education
First, Prof Okebukola's apologetic view is unacceptable and disgraceful. This is a serious issue that Okebukola and his staff, in collaboration with admissions office at Nigerian higher institutions must look into. Second, I'm appalled about the news and wonder what the role of the admission officers are in this unspeakable situation. I remember being on the admission committee at the Lagos State University between 1989 to 1994, apart from my teaching appointment, and how we scrutinized students certificate and results at WAEC. I wondered what happened to the collaboration between WAEC and recruiting institutions? Whatever happened between verifying officers at JAMB and the higher institutions? This is one of the deplorable situation facing academia in Nigeria as a whole. In fact, I remember speaking to the same issue during my recent recruiting efforts on behalf of my employer on October 1, 2004 at the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, and to youth organizations in Lagos metropolis. I hope the officers responsible for admissions at these universities and JAMB should be held accountable as well. It takes two to tango... there are rules and regulations; there is verification process... What really happened? The Nimi Briggs, Okebukolas, and others should be ashamed of the situation... probably resigned their appointments. This is sad!
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