Obaba Museum

The singular literary work that popularized the poetic line used as the title of this piece—written by the late Chinua Achebe—addressed the putrefaction that beset the pre-colonial Igbo traditions and heritage upon the introduction of western culture.

Quite contradictory is the role reversal that, in my opinion, occurred regarding education in Nigeria.

It continues to trouble me that the colonials, who enslaved the African continent for selfish greed, still gave a liberating education to the continent, and in a disconcerting contrast, our self-governing Kakistocrats have crippled education on all levels.

In retrospect, the brilliant author of the literary work referenced in the first paragraph was a product of the white-man education in Africa, further buttressing—when placed side-by-side with the average standard of education at each level—that devastating decay—induced by the neglect of education by the crop of leadership in Nigeria—has eaten deep into the same sector.

In truth, the dilapidation has been rapid and consistent since education became relegated in the country. This, in my opinion, solely hinges on the absence of visionary leadership in the state. This is my view. Let’s hear yours!