I will try to use two hypothetical cases to illustrate my understanding of Nigeria. You may not agree with me but I am only exercising one of my fundamental rights; the freedom of expression.
Many Nigerians say that our problem today solely rests on LEADERSHIP (several bad governments) but a few of us say that it is more of an IDEOLOGY problem (no vision, no core values).
I speak here not about the visions (which are actually goals) each administration sets when they get into office like Vision 2000, 2010, 20-2020, but I am referring to the NATIONAL VISION that birth the independent country, NIGERIA in 1960... If you know of such a national vision and can state it, please do.
• A VISION may simply be defined as a clear and strong mental picture of a desired future.
In the words of the wise King Solomon, ‘‘where there is no vision, the people perish (cast off restraints).’’ This statement underlines the importance of a vision, directly pointing to its absence as the reason for the suffering, failure, distress and indiscipline [corruption] of a person, group or nation.
At this point, I would like to present my cases to you:
CASE ONE: A team of 37 highly skilled and very intelligent management trainees are given a simple test for a chance at an incredible promotion. They are asked to put together a jigsaw puzzle broken up into 750 different pieces (all of the same shape and size), without being given any opportunity to see a picture of the completed puzzle. Each trainee has about 20 pieces of the puzzle to fit together. Their boss tells them that he is really in a good mood and he feels like giving the team a raise and that is the reason he gave them such an elementary test, fit for primary school students. The only clause is that the raise will depend on the number of hours spent on the task.
CASE TWO: A group of 37 select Engineers have been given the task of building an edifice. This is a multi-million dollar project and only the best of the best are required. The owner of the project has provided all the necessary finances, state-of-art machinery, building materials and support staff. The expanse of land has been prepared and all that is left is for the Engineers to start the construction. The lone clause is that the only picture of the finished edifice is in the mind of the owner and he says he cannot reproduce it accurately on paper. But he strongly believes that with this team of 37 GOOD Engineers his dream of owning a GREAT building will be accomplished. He promises to graciously reward them and would regularly monitor their work just to keep them on track.
If you were picked to be a member of any of these teams, would your first concern be who the leader of the team would be? Or Sir, may we have the picture of the completed puzzle/ blueprint of the
building?
Perhaps you are the average Nigerian, a hard worker with an I-CAN-DO mentality; you might not even have the time to entertain any concerns. You immediately get to work (let’s start fixing/constructing, we can’t just stay idle)... thinking that activity and effort equals progress and result.
As for me, I don’t enjoy riding a rocking horse; expending so much energy and time on an activity in which I cannot appraise my work nor measure my progress. With a picture/ blueprint in place, even a below average leader can lead the 36 others to success in record time. As each one knows the direction the team is headed and can play his/her specific role.
This is the reason I believe we Nigerians should begin our journey to nationhood with a CLEAR NATIONAL Vision rather than a GOOD COMPETENT LEADER.
As I said earlier, you do not have to agree with me on this... just play your role.
Thank you and God bless Nigeria.
Written by Taulpaul for MTW
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
NIGERIANS TRY TO KILL CORRUPTION
For this analogy, we would try to approach our fight against corruption as we would approach the killing of a great tree. This I believe is apt as so many Nigerians have described corruption as the greatest problem plaguing us today. They say it is the primary reason for all the ills within our society. So how best do we go about killing corruption?
We all know that most trees consist of different parts such as; the root, the stem, the branches, and the leaves. We are also aware of the various methods applied in the killing of a tree. However, we have come to understand by experience that there is one approach more effective than all others. So what might that approach be?
Different Approaches to Killing a TREE:
First, there are those who attack the LEAVES; plucking them off. The leaves of a tree reveal its beauty, its life; making it look very attractive. They are somewhat innumerable.
• These are those Nigerians who believe that the best way to eradicate corruption is by working hard to remove its attractiveness. They device means to KILL corruption by attacking things that they think can give someone an edge. These include; Fraud (electoral, financial), Census manipulations, Document falsifications by individuals or groups in order to meet certain criteria, be it; in Visa application, job qualification, NYSC eligibility and re-posting, age-grade sport tournaments or in seeking admission into institutions at any level.
Second, there are those who attack the BRANCHES; chopping them off. The branches of a tree are extensions that broaden its size, thereby making it noticeable.
• These are Nigerians who believe that the easiest way to KILL corruption is by consistently seeking out ways to eliminate the staggering levels of Poverty, Illiteracy, Disunity, and Poor healthcare within the society. They are of the opinion that when special initiatives are set up to tackle these obvious defects, corruption will become a thing of the past. Saying that the world will begin to see Nigeria in a different light.
Third, there are those who attack the STEM, cutting it down. The stem of a tree is a cylindrical shaped body of tissues that gives support and structure to the whole tree.
• Most Nigerians share this approach. They say that the best way to KILL corruption in our society is by fighting Personalities, Policies and Governments that they perceive to be responsible for supporting, endorsing and celebrating corrupt practices. It is the popular belief that if they can succeed at this there will be no trace of corruption in Nigeria forevermore.
Lastly, there are those who attack the ROOTS, cutting off its source. The root is a largely unseen part of the tree responsible for the nourishment of every other part.
• These are those who believe that the most effective way to kill a physical tree, no matter how great or old is by killing its roots (the source). The say that any solution which does not attend to the roots is only temporary. These few Nigerians identify Greed and Distrust as the unseen nutrients that nourish the tree of corruption. They simply advocate that the best way to KILL corruption is by relegating the importance of these negative values. However, they also admonish that killing the tree is not enough but that a simultaneous planting of another must be done. This tree would be nourished by right values such as; integrity, service, trust, equality and justice.
At this point, I leave you to choose your most effective approach to KILL corruption in Nigeria.
Written By Taulpaul for MTW
We all know that most trees consist of different parts such as; the root, the stem, the branches, and the leaves. We are also aware of the various methods applied in the killing of a tree. However, we have come to understand by experience that there is one approach more effective than all others. So what might that approach be?
Different Approaches to Killing a TREE:
First, there are those who attack the LEAVES; plucking them off. The leaves of a tree reveal its beauty, its life; making it look very attractive. They are somewhat innumerable.
• These are those Nigerians who believe that the best way to eradicate corruption is by working hard to remove its attractiveness. They device means to KILL corruption by attacking things that they think can give someone an edge. These include; Fraud (electoral, financial), Census manipulations, Document falsifications by individuals or groups in order to meet certain criteria, be it; in Visa application, job qualification, NYSC eligibility and re-posting, age-grade sport tournaments or in seeking admission into institutions at any level.
Second, there are those who attack the BRANCHES; chopping them off. The branches of a tree are extensions that broaden its size, thereby making it noticeable.
• These are Nigerians who believe that the easiest way to KILL corruption is by consistently seeking out ways to eliminate the staggering levels of Poverty, Illiteracy, Disunity, and Poor healthcare within the society. They are of the opinion that when special initiatives are set up to tackle these obvious defects, corruption will become a thing of the past. Saying that the world will begin to see Nigeria in a different light.
Third, there are those who attack the STEM, cutting it down. The stem of a tree is a cylindrical shaped body of tissues that gives support and structure to the whole tree.
• Most Nigerians share this approach. They say that the best way to KILL corruption in our society is by fighting Personalities, Policies and Governments that they perceive to be responsible for supporting, endorsing and celebrating corrupt practices. It is the popular belief that if they can succeed at this there will be no trace of corruption in Nigeria forevermore.
Lastly, there are those who attack the ROOTS, cutting off its source. The root is a largely unseen part of the tree responsible for the nourishment of every other part.
• These are those who believe that the most effective way to kill a physical tree, no matter how great or old is by killing its roots (the source). The say that any solution which does not attend to the roots is only temporary. These few Nigerians identify Greed and Distrust as the unseen nutrients that nourish the tree of corruption. They simply advocate that the best way to KILL corruption is by relegating the importance of these negative values. However, they also admonish that killing the tree is not enough but that a simultaneous planting of another must be done. This tree would be nourished by right values such as; integrity, service, trust, equality and justice.
At this point, I leave you to choose your most effective approach to KILL corruption in Nigeria.
Written By Taulpaul for MTW
Monday, July 12, 2010
2011: Beyond Credible Elections in Nigeria
I once heard this question asked by a preacher in Nigeria,
‘Do you think that a gang of thieves will ever vote in a policeman (possessing the best credentials) as their new leader even in the FREEST and FAIREST election possible?’
The answer he got was an overwhelming, NO! He went on to say that the situation was that way not because the thieves hated the policeman but it was simply because they perceived life through different lenses; that is to say, they had opposing IDEOLOGIES.
Many optimistic Nigerians see the 2011 elections as the one which will through up patriotic and selfless leaders into political positions; men and women of honour and integrity who would have this country’s best interest at heart; people with the requisite skills and experience to move this country forward (FORWARD: is actually a relative term used in Nigeria because Nigerians are yet to define where ‘forward’ is); Nigerians who are not only willing but are also committed to delivering to us the Nigeria of our dreams (The ‘DREAM NIGERIA’ is also subject to personal interpretation as ‘FORWARD’). Some others see 2011 as a one in a lifetime opportunity to finally vote out the ‘corrupt elements’ who have held Nigeria bound for so many years and a time to vote in a new crop of purposeful and visionary leaders. Seeing it as a chance to get rid of the older generation and to bring in a younger generation.
These are all positive and hopeful thoughts about 2011 but we must not forget that they are also not new thoughts. We had them in 1999, 2002 and 2006. However, as was the case in the illustration above, Nigeria today can only produce after its kind. The ideology prevalent in most of the Nigerian electorate (mainly poor and illiterate) is one framed by wrong values such as greed and distrust, which are seen as the roots of all forms of corruption in the land.
Please, do not misunderstand me. I am not saying that every Nigerian is corrupt; all I am saying is that Nigeria presently operates a system where corruption not only thrives but is also celebrated. Therefore, the system at its best can only produce more of the same. The good news about all these is that every system can be changed. If the current system would change then the thinking pattern of the electorate must be altered and if the thinking pattern would change then the information available to the electorate must be addressed.
Now is the time for every patriotic Nigerian to consistently reach-out to his/her world (family, school, offices, market places, alma-mater, social/professional/online communities, etc) modelling a better alternative of leadership. It is up to all of us to show other Nigerians the beauties and benefits of a functional system; one in which things are done properly and orderly. A system where the right moral values such as; integrity, service and justice are extolled... this kind of a system is what Nigerians yearn for. Remember, when a man is presented with a better option, he takes it.
I do hope that the 2011 elections would be the MOST CREDIBLE we have ever experienced in Nigeria but that is not my most important concern. For I have come to understand that change is not gotten merely through the QUALITY (freeness, fairness, transparency, voter turnout) of an electoral process rather it is gotten by the QUALITY OF MIND; that is the ideology of the electorate.
It is time we got to working on the mindsets of the average Nigerian, to inspire in him/her the right ideology worthy of a great nation. This to me is the recipe for true and lasting change. It might not be the quickest way but it is the surest way. So let’s begin Nigeria!
Thank you and God bless Nigeria.
By: Taulpaul for MTW
‘Do you think that a gang of thieves will ever vote in a policeman (possessing the best credentials) as their new leader even in the FREEST and FAIREST election possible?’
The answer he got was an overwhelming, NO! He went on to say that the situation was that way not because the thieves hated the policeman but it was simply because they perceived life through different lenses; that is to say, they had opposing IDEOLOGIES.
Many optimistic Nigerians see the 2011 elections as the one which will through up patriotic and selfless leaders into political positions; men and women of honour and integrity who would have this country’s best interest at heart; people with the requisite skills and experience to move this country forward (FORWARD: is actually a relative term used in Nigeria because Nigerians are yet to define where ‘forward’ is); Nigerians who are not only willing but are also committed to delivering to us the Nigeria of our dreams (The ‘DREAM NIGERIA’ is also subject to personal interpretation as ‘FORWARD’). Some others see 2011 as a one in a lifetime opportunity to finally vote out the ‘corrupt elements’ who have held Nigeria bound for so many years and a time to vote in a new crop of purposeful and visionary leaders. Seeing it as a chance to get rid of the older generation and to bring in a younger generation.
These are all positive and hopeful thoughts about 2011 but we must not forget that they are also not new thoughts. We had them in 1999, 2002 and 2006. However, as was the case in the illustration above, Nigeria today can only produce after its kind. The ideology prevalent in most of the Nigerian electorate (mainly poor and illiterate) is one framed by wrong values such as greed and distrust, which are seen as the roots of all forms of corruption in the land.
Please, do not misunderstand me. I am not saying that every Nigerian is corrupt; all I am saying is that Nigeria presently operates a system where corruption not only thrives but is also celebrated. Therefore, the system at its best can only produce more of the same. The good news about all these is that every system can be changed. If the current system would change then the thinking pattern of the electorate must be altered and if the thinking pattern would change then the information available to the electorate must be addressed.
Now is the time for every patriotic Nigerian to consistently reach-out to his/her world (family, school, offices, market places, alma-mater, social/professional/online communities, etc) modelling a better alternative of leadership. It is up to all of us to show other Nigerians the beauties and benefits of a functional system; one in which things are done properly and orderly. A system where the right moral values such as; integrity, service and justice are extolled... this kind of a system is what Nigerians yearn for. Remember, when a man is presented with a better option, he takes it.
I do hope that the 2011 elections would be the MOST CREDIBLE we have ever experienced in Nigeria but that is not my most important concern. For I have come to understand that change is not gotten merely through the QUALITY (freeness, fairness, transparency, voter turnout) of an electoral process rather it is gotten by the QUALITY OF MIND; that is the ideology of the electorate.
It is time we got to working on the mindsets of the average Nigerian, to inspire in him/her the right ideology worthy of a great nation. This to me is the recipe for true and lasting change. It might not be the quickest way but it is the surest way. So let’s begin Nigeria!
Thank you and God bless Nigeria.
By: Taulpaul for MTW
A LETTER TO NIGERIAN COMMUNITIES
The success of the new Nigeria lies with the people. In the old Nigeria, the system was built on the unwritten principle ‘government for all and all man for himself.’ This mindset made Nigerians so unconcerned about the plight or issues of their neighbours. A community by definition is actually a group of people with a cooperative spirit but this was not witnessed in the old Nigeria. People were suspicious of everyone, living in as much isolation as possible. There was only forced association when there was an urgent issue that affected all. This has got to change for this nation to move forward. In the new way of doing things, communities will have to unite to make the vision of the new Nigeria a reality.
People make up the community and the communities make up the state and the states make up the nation.
We must therefore build the nation from the base to the top. Like the Alma-mater scheme, members of communities should come together to identify projects they can work on to improve the general well-being of all. This may not be easy at first but you must stay the course. There are overwhelming benefits that come with being united. Some of the immediate benefits may include;
-A drastic drop in crime rate because everybody knows everybody; it is much harder to harm your own,
-An improved sanitary condition (preventive healthcare); people will no longer see the community as the property of the government but as theirs,
-An increased feeling of love and care; people see friends not suspects,
-A greater sense of freedom and peace; members relate as individuals breaking all stereotypes,
-A feeling of self-worth and relevance; as the high walls of class and status crumble.
We suggest some projects that your community can engage in. However, each community has the sole responsibility of assessing their needs and deciding on what world-class solutions can be adopted. Below are just a few suggestions;
Building a community centre (a home away from home) that houses a mini educational resource centre, a well equipped vocational training centre and basic recreational facilities that can accommodate all ages (making conscious plans to accommodate the special needs of the physically challenged). The plans for the centre should be presented to the members of the community for contributions and acceptance before the first brick is laid. The centre should have all the basic amenities that some members may not have at home but can access them in a home away from home. The aim of this is to give the entire community a meeting point. Safety and good sanitation should be promoted at that centre. As much as possible voluntary labour should be encouraged.
Taking ownership of any of these; a police station or a health centre or an orphanage home or an old people’s home or a prison or any other may also be encouraged.
--Despite the overwhelming challenges that faced the Nigerian police force in the old Nigeria, several testimonies however abounded as to the efficiency of the men in black rising up to serve and protect the lives of the citizens. Therefore, the community may decide to take responsibility for catering for the welfare of police officers within their community. It may begin by choosing to provide a world-class facelift of the police station. Also, provision of basic office equipment (computers, printers, copiers, scanners, walkie-talkies, tables, chairs, paper, etc). Provision of new police uniforms for each officer. Provision of alternative source of electrical power and a dedicated telephone hotline for the community. A caterer may be contracted to provide at least one good meal a day for each officer. The community could actually get to a point of wealth where it can provide patrol vehicles with adequate communication gadgets for our policemen. Let us motivate our police officers. Slowly but surely all the vices associated with the police force under the old system will be alien to your community.
--Liaising with the head of the health centre within the community to get a comprehensive list of the needs of that centre. Be it the provision of basic medical supplies, adequate beddings and toiletries, laundry facilities, giving foodstuff for patient’s meals, clean water, alternative sources of power and so on. Members of the community may be encouraged to offer voluntary services at the centre, if need be. Also, you could get to a point at which the community could actually move from providing basic needs to handling higher needs like the provision of ambulances, medical equipment, sponsoring of staff training and provision of extra buildings. Let us make our health centres havens for all so we no longer have to seek basic medical services overseas. The same set up could apply to the orphanages and old people’s homes with little modifications.
--In the case of the prison, the authorities should be informed of the plans of the community ahead of time so all arrangements could be put in place because of the sensitive environment. Prisons are meant to be correctional facilities but were not so in the old Nigeria; they were not conducive for proper reformation. Something we may all need to know is that not everyone in there actually committed a crime and many have even exceeded their sentences. We as a community can decide to offer monthly medical checkups for each inmate. Provide balanced meals at least once a day, clothes, beddings and toiletries for the inmates. Monitoring is key here, making sure that these supplies get to the intended beneficiaries. We could actually grow to the extent where we provide a mini library and skill acquisition centre within the prison. All these will be done while working on seeking justice for those who were unlawfully incarcerated.
These are just a few suggestions, we entreat you to look out for a need today as a community and reach out to meet that need.
When the community is one, then the community can influence its politics. It can elect credible people that will run with the vision of the new Nigeria into the right positions (wards, councils and chairmanship) and demand accountability of them.
It is high time we took full ownership of our communities.
According to section 24 of the 1999 constitution, it is the responsibility of every citizen to;
24.... (c) respect the dignity of other citizens and the rights and legitimate interests of others and live in unity and harmony and in the spirit of common brotherhood; (d) make positive and useful contribution to the advancement, progress and well-being of the community where he resides; (e) render assistance to appropriate and lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order
(culled from the book: 'Thinking A New Thought')
People make up the community and the communities make up the state and the states make up the nation.
We must therefore build the nation from the base to the top. Like the Alma-mater scheme, members of communities should come together to identify projects they can work on to improve the general well-being of all. This may not be easy at first but you must stay the course. There are overwhelming benefits that come with being united. Some of the immediate benefits may include;
-A drastic drop in crime rate because everybody knows everybody; it is much harder to harm your own,
-An improved sanitary condition (preventive healthcare); people will no longer see the community as the property of the government but as theirs,
-An increased feeling of love and care; people see friends not suspects,
-A greater sense of freedom and peace; members relate as individuals breaking all stereotypes,
-A feeling of self-worth and relevance; as the high walls of class and status crumble.
We suggest some projects that your community can engage in. However, each community has the sole responsibility of assessing their needs and deciding on what world-class solutions can be adopted. Below are just a few suggestions;
Building a community centre (a home away from home) that houses a mini educational resource centre, a well equipped vocational training centre and basic recreational facilities that can accommodate all ages (making conscious plans to accommodate the special needs of the physically challenged). The plans for the centre should be presented to the members of the community for contributions and acceptance before the first brick is laid. The centre should have all the basic amenities that some members may not have at home but can access them in a home away from home. The aim of this is to give the entire community a meeting point. Safety and good sanitation should be promoted at that centre. As much as possible voluntary labour should be encouraged.
Taking ownership of any of these; a police station or a health centre or an orphanage home or an old people’s home or a prison or any other may also be encouraged.
--Despite the overwhelming challenges that faced the Nigerian police force in the old Nigeria, several testimonies however abounded as to the efficiency of the men in black rising up to serve and protect the lives of the citizens. Therefore, the community may decide to take responsibility for catering for the welfare of police officers within their community. It may begin by choosing to provide a world-class facelift of the police station. Also, provision of basic office equipment (computers, printers, copiers, scanners, walkie-talkies, tables, chairs, paper, etc). Provision of new police uniforms for each officer. Provision of alternative source of electrical power and a dedicated telephone hotline for the community. A caterer may be contracted to provide at least one good meal a day for each officer. The community could actually get to a point of wealth where it can provide patrol vehicles with adequate communication gadgets for our policemen. Let us motivate our police officers. Slowly but surely all the vices associated with the police force under the old system will be alien to your community.
--Liaising with the head of the health centre within the community to get a comprehensive list of the needs of that centre. Be it the provision of basic medical supplies, adequate beddings and toiletries, laundry facilities, giving foodstuff for patient’s meals, clean water, alternative sources of power and so on. Members of the community may be encouraged to offer voluntary services at the centre, if need be. Also, you could get to a point at which the community could actually move from providing basic needs to handling higher needs like the provision of ambulances, medical equipment, sponsoring of staff training and provision of extra buildings. Let us make our health centres havens for all so we no longer have to seek basic medical services overseas. The same set up could apply to the orphanages and old people’s homes with little modifications.
--In the case of the prison, the authorities should be informed of the plans of the community ahead of time so all arrangements could be put in place because of the sensitive environment. Prisons are meant to be correctional facilities but were not so in the old Nigeria; they were not conducive for proper reformation. Something we may all need to know is that not everyone in there actually committed a crime and many have even exceeded their sentences. We as a community can decide to offer monthly medical checkups for each inmate. Provide balanced meals at least once a day, clothes, beddings and toiletries for the inmates. Monitoring is key here, making sure that these supplies get to the intended beneficiaries. We could actually grow to the extent where we provide a mini library and skill acquisition centre within the prison. All these will be done while working on seeking justice for those who were unlawfully incarcerated.
These are just a few suggestions, we entreat you to look out for a need today as a community and reach out to meet that need.
When the community is one, then the community can influence its politics. It can elect credible people that will run with the vision of the new Nigeria into the right positions (wards, councils and chairmanship) and demand accountability of them.
It is high time we took full ownership of our communities.
According to section 24 of the 1999 constitution, it is the responsibility of every citizen to;
24.... (c) respect the dignity of other citizens and the rights and legitimate interests of others and live in unity and harmony and in the spirit of common brotherhood; (d) make positive and useful contribution to the advancement, progress and well-being of the community where he resides; (e) render assistance to appropriate and lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order
(culled from the book: 'Thinking A New Thought')
A LETTER TO THE NIGERIAN ALUMNI
Education is said to be the greatest legacy. In the old Nigeria, there was a great start to the provision of quality education to the citizens. Nigeria in her early days ranked as one of the best educated countries in the world. Free and quality formal education was promoted by the government of that day for all who were willing to be informed. Quality education was seen as a right of every citizen. Incentives were even promised to encourage formal education.
However, sustenance of any free system by a government of any nation is only possible when the nation’s population is small. It is an illusion to believe that the nation’s resources and revenues accrued from tax can always support this system. The free health and educational systems are failing all over the world; therefore it is pertinent that we rethink our methods. Most, if not all governments that operated this free system created a mindset of entitlement in their citizens. Those governments never taught the beneficiaries of this free system responsibility; that there might be a time when the government’s funds may not be adequate to run this free system as population explodes. For this reasons, we reach out to you.
It is no news that the Nigerian educational system is in a dire state and is one of the worst in the world. Many today have put the blame at the doorstep of the government because of an inbuilt entitlement mentality which has blinded them from the fact that education is a collective responsibility. It is this same mentality that has made some States promise free education to her people in election campaigns, without due consideration of its sustainability. In the old Nigeria, we had alumni associations, old-boys and old-girls associations that did not really do much for their alma-mater. These associations were more or less societies for friends to network and once in a while (perhaps in a milestone year) do some charitable work for their alma-mater.
In the new Nigeria, we must see our roles in the development of our alma-mater not as charity but as a responsibility and privilege. We cannot afford to fall into the same pit again, therefore we suggest to you today the Alma-mater scheme.
The Alma-mater scheme is a very simple but effective solution to transform the educational system at all levels in Nigeria. It is an active, convenient and consistent partnership scheme that puts the responsibility for change in the hands of the alumni, the people. It is neither for a few friends nor for a particular graduate-set. It is developed for every past student of the school. We should never forget that these schools (primary to tertiary) gave to us the platform on which we stand tall today, without them we could never have had the impressive curriculum vitae we possess today. Most often, we even brag about our alma-mater in our homes, offices and social clubs. A trip back to these institutes (especially public institutes) is a sad tale of dilapidation, decay and inhumane conditions.
Please, take that trip today and you will be convicted to get involved.
The meaning of education has gradually lost its essence in Nigeria as students are made to understand that the movement from basic to tertiary levels is just a means to obtain a paper (certificate, kpali). Education was designed to stimulate a man’s mind to aspire to contribute something of value to his community, his nation and indeed his world. It was planned in such a way to inspire men to become responsible for society and not just for the sake of obtaining financial security.
Fortunately, we can do something about this trend. We can set the standards once again in our alma-mater; world-class standards, the new Nigeria standard. We can and we will transform our former schools to the citadels of best learning. We would begin from the basics and then move to providing the extras.
The Alma-mater scheme could be a veritable tool especially in tertiary institutions to;
• Provide a conducive working, learning and living environment e.g. access to online education, standard auditoriums, offices, halls of residence(with internet access, laundry facilities and diners) for students and staff,
• Equip the institution’s libraries, laboratories, teaching hospitals and workshops,
• Fund globally relevant research projects and constant retraining of lecturers and staff,
• Organise commencement speeches, seminars on career advice and national responsibility,
• Provide scholarships (academic or sports) to deserving students and student loans,
• Produce branded souvenirs for sale at designated outlets to help raise more funds,
• Lead the furtherance of alternative energy (green revolution) by harnessing its advantages.
The new Nigeria has high standards for every citizen. But as we do this we must not fall into the same traps most governments have. We must constantly sink into the hearts of the beneficiaries their responsibility to set higher standards and provide the best facilities of the day for the generations coming.
The Alma-mater scheme has so many advantages but these are only a few. The scheme will help attract the best minds and hands interested in imparting knowledge back to our institutions of learning as it provides the necessary conditions and tools for quality education.
One beauty of the scheme is that it will outlive any generation, government or policy change because it is propelled by the people, the alumni. As long as a school churns out graduates, the scheme is kept alive. Another advantage of this scheme is the presence of constant and effective monitoring of the school’s activities by the alumni who fund these changes. As the saying goes, ‘where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’
So how does it work?
Very simple, it takes one inspired person, you, to reach out to others who attended that same school and do an assessment of the current condition of the school. Then you seek the best means of getting across to others; either by paid adverts or by personal search. Even while you are at this, you and the few others available can start work. A good place to start is by developing an operational structure that is founded on transparency and accountability to avoid exploitation of the scheme by unscrupulous individuals. If you have to seek legal counsel, please do!
Next, discuss and decide on the most cogent needs of the school and then seek out ways of solving them with the highest of standards. World-class is the way of the new Nigeria. The key is not just about beginning but beginning with the end in mind.
If you are 50 people who can commit to N500 monthly it would result in N25, 000 per month
This may seem little compared to the needs at hand but make the best use of this money. Most times we think that it is a function of the amount but sometimes it is more about sitting through to find the best use of that amount. You may start small but certainly you would not stay small. This change is a lifetime commitment not a onetime event nor is it achievable by a grand fund-raising ceremony.
It is a consistent and progressive solution. As much as possible, you should seek to employ the services of community artisans and labourers in infrastructure provision while upholding world-class standards.
Nigerians are very benevolent and ever ready to give to a worthy cause if only they are assured of integrity and proper use of their donations. As the scheme grows you may need to make donations more convenient; opening a mini-secretariat (to run the scheme) within the school or opening accounts for easy funds transfers or any other means peculiar to your environment. This scheme is designed to keep growing. Feedback structures should be put in place to constantly update all donors of plans and progress made. Suggestions also must be sought always from all members.
If you are 5000 people who can commit to N500 monthly it would result in N2, 500,000 per month,
If you are 10000 people who can commit to N500 monthly it would result in N5, 000,000 per month,
If you are 20000 people who can commit to N500 monthly it would result in N10, 000,000 per month
With such amounts or more coming in monthly, the school might actually decide to increase its influence to start providing some basic educational tools for its host community. This is in furtherance of the vision of the new Nigeria; a nation built by her people. Definitely, there will be some members of the alumni who would be committed to giving so much more on a monthly basis.
Apart from the provision of a world-class learning environment, educational facilities, stationery, uniforms and a higher education scholarship fund for the students, we suggest that other activities can be developed to directly impart knowledge, care, love and a sense of national responsibility to the students. Holding periodic interactive meetings which bring together the alumni, staff and students will also go a long communicating the goals of the new Nigeria. Such times may include activities like; quizzes, debates, voluntary community service, alumni reading/speaking to the students, showcasing of the creative works of the students may be encouraged, career advisory seminars, sport meets and so on. These activities would afford students the opportunity of getting inspired by ex-students who have climbed the ladder of society in different fields.
Also, it is important that major attention be placed on the welfare and development of the teachers of these students.
Someone once said, ‘if you truly want to know what our future would look like, go ask the teachers because they know what the children are learning.’
So, it does not matter what you may do for the students, if their teachers are not motivated nor sufficiently equipped, there can be no quality and sustained progress achieved. To this end, you should organise seminars, sponsor trainings, fund research projects, and provide access to quality information and basic support tools. These are all necessary to keep the teachers focused on the one major thing; imparting knowledge. While you are at it you must not fail to recognise and improve the welfare standards of the support staff in the school. These people may not be at the forefront of the educational activities but are so vital to the day to day successful running of the school.
The scheme may even consider providing at least one standard meal a day for each student and staff of the school. Also, an end of year bonus allowance could be structured for the teaching and non-teaching staff. These last suggestions may seem far-fetched but the extent to which this scheme may go to build the Alma-mater can be stretched to the boundaries of the imagination and will of each school’s alumni.
Remember, there was a time in Nigeria when access to educational funds, standard meals, quality accommodation, constant supply of basic amenities and other related support services were the basic rights of every Nigerian student. Together we can reinvent those glory days, we can transform the education sector in Nigeria and indeed sustain this change...we can get the structures, facilities, environments, and services of our public institutions to a point where they could be considered ahead of those of financial institutions within the country. We can make Nigeria a nation where foreigners come to seek quality education.
Let’s give ourselves (the alumni) something to really brag about; let’s create World-class institutes and produce World-class citizens.
(culled from the book: 'Thinking A New Thought')
However, sustenance of any free system by a government of any nation is only possible when the nation’s population is small. It is an illusion to believe that the nation’s resources and revenues accrued from tax can always support this system. The free health and educational systems are failing all over the world; therefore it is pertinent that we rethink our methods. Most, if not all governments that operated this free system created a mindset of entitlement in their citizens. Those governments never taught the beneficiaries of this free system responsibility; that there might be a time when the government’s funds may not be adequate to run this free system as population explodes. For this reasons, we reach out to you.
It is no news that the Nigerian educational system is in a dire state and is one of the worst in the world. Many today have put the blame at the doorstep of the government because of an inbuilt entitlement mentality which has blinded them from the fact that education is a collective responsibility. It is this same mentality that has made some States promise free education to her people in election campaigns, without due consideration of its sustainability. In the old Nigeria, we had alumni associations, old-boys and old-girls associations that did not really do much for their alma-mater. These associations were more or less societies for friends to network and once in a while (perhaps in a milestone year) do some charitable work for their alma-mater.
In the new Nigeria, we must see our roles in the development of our alma-mater not as charity but as a responsibility and privilege. We cannot afford to fall into the same pit again, therefore we suggest to you today the Alma-mater scheme.
The Alma-mater scheme is a very simple but effective solution to transform the educational system at all levels in Nigeria. It is an active, convenient and consistent partnership scheme that puts the responsibility for change in the hands of the alumni, the people. It is neither for a few friends nor for a particular graduate-set. It is developed for every past student of the school. We should never forget that these schools (primary to tertiary) gave to us the platform on which we stand tall today, without them we could never have had the impressive curriculum vitae we possess today. Most often, we even brag about our alma-mater in our homes, offices and social clubs. A trip back to these institutes (especially public institutes) is a sad tale of dilapidation, decay and inhumane conditions.
Please, take that trip today and you will be convicted to get involved.
The meaning of education has gradually lost its essence in Nigeria as students are made to understand that the movement from basic to tertiary levels is just a means to obtain a paper (certificate, kpali). Education was designed to stimulate a man’s mind to aspire to contribute something of value to his community, his nation and indeed his world. It was planned in such a way to inspire men to become responsible for society and not just for the sake of obtaining financial security.
Fortunately, we can do something about this trend. We can set the standards once again in our alma-mater; world-class standards, the new Nigeria standard. We can and we will transform our former schools to the citadels of best learning. We would begin from the basics and then move to providing the extras.
The Alma-mater scheme could be a veritable tool especially in tertiary institutions to;
• Provide a conducive working, learning and living environment e.g. access to online education, standard auditoriums, offices, halls of residence(with internet access, laundry facilities and diners) for students and staff,
• Equip the institution’s libraries, laboratories, teaching hospitals and workshops,
• Fund globally relevant research projects and constant retraining of lecturers and staff,
• Organise commencement speeches, seminars on career advice and national responsibility,
• Provide scholarships (academic or sports) to deserving students and student loans,
• Produce branded souvenirs for sale at designated outlets to help raise more funds,
• Lead the furtherance of alternative energy (green revolution) by harnessing its advantages.
The new Nigeria has high standards for every citizen. But as we do this we must not fall into the same traps most governments have. We must constantly sink into the hearts of the beneficiaries their responsibility to set higher standards and provide the best facilities of the day for the generations coming.
The Alma-mater scheme has so many advantages but these are only a few. The scheme will help attract the best minds and hands interested in imparting knowledge back to our institutions of learning as it provides the necessary conditions and tools for quality education.
One beauty of the scheme is that it will outlive any generation, government or policy change because it is propelled by the people, the alumni. As long as a school churns out graduates, the scheme is kept alive. Another advantage of this scheme is the presence of constant and effective monitoring of the school’s activities by the alumni who fund these changes. As the saying goes, ‘where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’
So how does it work?
Very simple, it takes one inspired person, you, to reach out to others who attended that same school and do an assessment of the current condition of the school. Then you seek the best means of getting across to others; either by paid adverts or by personal search. Even while you are at this, you and the few others available can start work. A good place to start is by developing an operational structure that is founded on transparency and accountability to avoid exploitation of the scheme by unscrupulous individuals. If you have to seek legal counsel, please do!
Next, discuss and decide on the most cogent needs of the school and then seek out ways of solving them with the highest of standards. World-class is the way of the new Nigeria. The key is not just about beginning but beginning with the end in mind.
If you are 50 people who can commit to N500 monthly it would result in N25, 000 per month
This may seem little compared to the needs at hand but make the best use of this money. Most times we think that it is a function of the amount but sometimes it is more about sitting through to find the best use of that amount. You may start small but certainly you would not stay small. This change is a lifetime commitment not a onetime event nor is it achievable by a grand fund-raising ceremony.
It is a consistent and progressive solution. As much as possible, you should seek to employ the services of community artisans and labourers in infrastructure provision while upholding world-class standards.
Nigerians are very benevolent and ever ready to give to a worthy cause if only they are assured of integrity and proper use of their donations. As the scheme grows you may need to make donations more convenient; opening a mini-secretariat (to run the scheme) within the school or opening accounts for easy funds transfers or any other means peculiar to your environment. This scheme is designed to keep growing. Feedback structures should be put in place to constantly update all donors of plans and progress made. Suggestions also must be sought always from all members.
If you are 5000 people who can commit to N500 monthly it would result in N2, 500,000 per month,
If you are 10000 people who can commit to N500 monthly it would result in N5, 000,000 per month,
If you are 20000 people who can commit to N500 monthly it would result in N10, 000,000 per month
With such amounts or more coming in monthly, the school might actually decide to increase its influence to start providing some basic educational tools for its host community. This is in furtherance of the vision of the new Nigeria; a nation built by her people. Definitely, there will be some members of the alumni who would be committed to giving so much more on a monthly basis.
Apart from the provision of a world-class learning environment, educational facilities, stationery, uniforms and a higher education scholarship fund for the students, we suggest that other activities can be developed to directly impart knowledge, care, love and a sense of national responsibility to the students. Holding periodic interactive meetings which bring together the alumni, staff and students will also go a long communicating the goals of the new Nigeria. Such times may include activities like; quizzes, debates, voluntary community service, alumni reading/speaking to the students, showcasing of the creative works of the students may be encouraged, career advisory seminars, sport meets and so on. These activities would afford students the opportunity of getting inspired by ex-students who have climbed the ladder of society in different fields.
Also, it is important that major attention be placed on the welfare and development of the teachers of these students.
Someone once said, ‘if you truly want to know what our future would look like, go ask the teachers because they know what the children are learning.’
So, it does not matter what you may do for the students, if their teachers are not motivated nor sufficiently equipped, there can be no quality and sustained progress achieved. To this end, you should organise seminars, sponsor trainings, fund research projects, and provide access to quality information and basic support tools. These are all necessary to keep the teachers focused on the one major thing; imparting knowledge. While you are at it you must not fail to recognise and improve the welfare standards of the support staff in the school. These people may not be at the forefront of the educational activities but are so vital to the day to day successful running of the school.
The scheme may even consider providing at least one standard meal a day for each student and staff of the school. Also, an end of year bonus allowance could be structured for the teaching and non-teaching staff. These last suggestions may seem far-fetched but the extent to which this scheme may go to build the Alma-mater can be stretched to the boundaries of the imagination and will of each school’s alumni.
Remember, there was a time in Nigeria when access to educational funds, standard meals, quality accommodation, constant supply of basic amenities and other related support services were the basic rights of every Nigerian student. Together we can reinvent those glory days, we can transform the education sector in Nigeria and indeed sustain this change...we can get the structures, facilities, environments, and services of our public institutions to a point where they could be considered ahead of those of financial institutions within the country. We can make Nigeria a nation where foreigners come to seek quality education.
Let’s give ourselves (the alumni) something to really brag about; let’s create World-class institutes and produce World-class citizens.
(culled from the book: 'Thinking A New Thought')
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