Education At The Primary and Secondary School Levels In Nigeria Are Rubbish-Prof. Olagoke

 

Parents all over Nigeria have continued to express worry over the declining standard of education. In this interview, the founder Shafaudeen Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke speaks on the reason behind the current trend. Excerpts :

Are you comfortable with the declining standard of education in the country, presently ?

We have to clarify issues, curriculum wise, the standard is rising, but at the implementation level, because of the sharp practices , by the stakeholders at all levels, most especially on government part, the performances of students in various examinations, shows that there is a decline.

Institutionalizing education in any society, demands for some basic things to be on  ground. At the primary school level, the construction of buildings, standard enough to accommodate students, well Trained Teachers, who periodically go for capacity building exercises, all these things are no more. Even when you have an oppurtunity for the Teachers, government officials make them look as if that they are been done a favour. And so, selectively, they will pick some of their favoured ones for the training, the training will be so shabby and shallow, and at the end of the day, the budget for such a training would be cut., to the extent that those who are to give the training, wiil receive a token, and the Teachers that go for training, they would also be given a token. And a great proportion of the largess would go to the government officials, who are supposed to reallly implement all these things. You can see the abysmal level to which corruption has gone in the society and has destroyed the fabric of all senses of responsibility in the polity. So, when you get to primary schools, what you find are  features of dilapidated buildings, I mean public schools, students with wretched looks and torn clothes, because government itself knows that education   at this level is not well funded. They will never allow their children to go to such schools, even their grand children. So, education at this level is rubbish. It is true that we should challenge the parents to contribute, but the kind of parents that have their children in all these public schools are the wretched types, who can hardly make ends meet.  So what kind of contribution do you expect from such parents  ? Except to say that their children should return home and hawk their goods for  them. Sociologically, our management of education at this level is nothing to write home about.
Unfortunately, our government leads by propaganda. They will dress up very few schools, showing this over the Television and telling the whole world that they have funded education. At least, we can all attest to the fact that Teachers' salaries are always pranked on.  When Teachers are not well motivated, what do you expect  from their performances. When parents, who have children in all these schools have little or  very low education,  what do you expect from such parents, regarding imparting, monitoring and motivating their children. So this is why we have a lot of mushroom schools, in the name of private schools, you will see some dilapidated buildings of a primary school and the name will bear something, something international school. We are fooling ourselves. And until we really know what we are doing, the future of our children is in jeopardy.  Although  government officials have a substitute, they have their own children, overseas and some selected schools that are well funded, that are very private, so that is why they are comfortable. But when Bola Ige was alive, he used to say something, that always terrified me.  He said '' If those of you who are rich, find comfortable  and very good schools for your children and you neglect the course of the future of the poverty ridden masses, when their children grow into thugs, these are people who will never allow, your over pampered, children to live well''. And this is what we are experiencing in the country today. If you neglect a section and you fund very few people, those few people, in future, they will not necessarily find it easy, because the environment, we live in, matters most and contributes a lot to the quality of life we lead. So, when it comes to secondary schools, the same bad stories are repeated, most of the secondary schools, most especially, where they offer science subjects, they are nothing to write home about.  Look at their laboratories, look at their workshops. All we have on paper, are the ideals of the curriculum, which is internationally recognized. Even Colleges of Education, Polytechnics and Universities, nothing is been done.  Entrepreneurship education is on paper, theoretically taught, most of them do not have centers as expected and where they have, what is the impact of their products ? Products, in terms of the graduates, they are turning out, as well as the products in terms of  what they are really making, out of the entrepreneurship centers So, there is  the need to overhaul education centers, as well as the way we manage and implement our programs. UNESCO opines that 20% of the national budget of every nation, should be the minimum allocation to education. Nigeria, up till date, on the average, since 1990s, we've never been able to get 10% on the average. Even when there was no Boko Haram, when there was no war, the security vote was given so much recognition, and what did they do with such money,  they lavished it, they spent the money on unprofitable ventures. So, I don't know, we are now in an era of change, whereby Buhari our President, could be regarded as somebody that is very serious and who believes in reshaping the course of the future of Nigeria-economy, politics and security.
 And Osinbajo happens to be an academic guru, a lawyer of high repute, a personality of high legal standing. And both of them a Muslim and a Christian now, if you look at this people, because of the passion, religion enforces on the people, the governed, I believe, they will be able to turn around. But education in Nigeria, today, is fraught with agitations by the concerned citizens in the name of ASUP, in the name of ASUU, there is need to overhaul everything, so that the future of Nigeria does not collapse today.

By overhauling, do you mean a state of emergency should be declared ?

It is not about collapsing the sector, if you collapse the education sector,  everybody becomes an illiterate and before you say, you are awakening them, political campaigns will come again and you forget about everything. And the whole country will be in jeopardy.

Also read-Iraq Court Backs Christian Woman In Landmark Religious Freedom Case 

THE PROF. SABITU OLAGOKE SERIES 1- INTIMIDATION

Intimidation is an outburst of human aggression to resolve matters without having regards to the rule of law. 

This always happens in an environment that is not orderly perhaps due to the weakness of the leader or the failure to apply the rule of law in the power dispensation. 

Cases of intimidation,most of the times,may create an environment of fear in the individual or people been intimidated. 

Chains of reaction arising from this, may result in anarchy or a state of chaos leading to a breakdown of law and order.

 This is the reason why the issue of intimidation must be addressed with all seriousness. Aspirants for leadership positions must also be sensitized on how best to control their temperament and the effective use of the rule of law to resolve issues. 

Basically,leaders must embrace management by equity and administration by justice to avoid the possible feeling of being cheated or marginalized in order that no one would be tempted into intimidating others. 

Intimidation may come from persons given positions of authority they are not competent to occupy.Leaders by their nature always want to be respected with their views being implemented by their subjects without delay or hindrance. 

However,when policies are rolled outburst considered not feasible due to the poverty of ideas of the leader,people are bound to resist such order. 

This may warrant the leader to exercise wrongly his executive power through intimidation. 

This kind of action exposes the weaknesses and limitations of such a leader making him or her to be vulnerable to serious agitations which may ultimately cause chaos and eventual stalemate in development or if the situation is not properly controlled, it may lead to the eventual removal of the leader. 

Poor governance in several nations have degenerated the fabric of discipline to the point of lack of peaceful co-existence. 

In such a nation, characteristics factors of intimidation would manifestos blackmail that usually create fear of possible shame and the loss of goodwill. 

When this is not properly controlled further intimidation would follow to make sudden wealth,while those who intimidate enjoy illegally acquired money, the victims become indebted or sickly. 

In summary,therefore,intimidation in all forms and ramifications as a process of discouraging or restraining fellow human beings from acting by threats,blackmail or violence must be guided against grooming the people to respect the rule of law in resolving issues as well giving due regards to the fundamental human rights of others for the purpose of enhancing peaceful co-existence. 

Prof. Sabitu Olagoke is the Founder and  Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Isalm Worldwide, Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

 Also read- Egypt Executes Killer Of Coptic Priest

Don’t’ Despise People

 US Condemns Killing Of Nigerian Pastor’s Family As Pressure Mounts Over Christian Persecution (Worthy News In-Depth)

The Lord Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry reached out to the most despised people in society.

Jesus Christ exhibited God’s love and God’s will for us.

His lifestyle is a good reflection.

When He taught the people around Him, they listened.

Jesus Christ never despised those He taught.

We should pray to the Lord, to deliver us from self-righteousness that spurs us to despise people.

In addition, we should pray for the most unlovely person we know.

Remember that the only difference is the grace of God

Read 1Timothy 1:12-15

Church Attacked By Mob In Egypt And Christians Face Continuing Pressure 

Christian Man Vanishes In Pakistan As Concerns Mount Over Missing Believers, Jailed Christians 

 

The Real Enemy

 Missionaries Help Nearly 200 Pregnant Refugees In Jordan Choose Life

There are times when we must disagree with fellow believers and even oppose them.

But we must never let that distract us from our real enemies, Satan and the forces of darkness, and where the battle line must always be drawn.

We should avoid wasting precious time hurting those we know and cause ourselves great woe.

When, we as Christians aim our sights away from our real foes, we allow God to take control.

Let us endeavor to shun activities that revolve around evil, since evil doers are on the prowl everywhere for unsuspecting believers.

We should utilize all that is in the environment for the benefit of humanity not for fetish and diabolic purposes.

Remember, divide and conquer is a strategy of Satan.

Read Ephesians 6:10-20

Nicaragua Ends Elections As Christians Face Growing Pressure 

Emulate the birds of the air

 EU Parliament Condemns Persecution Of Christians In Pakistan, Nigeria, Sudan

We are to be careful with money, but Jesus Christ taught that we are not to be full of care about it.

If you have given yourself to God, you don’t have to worry about life’s necessities.

God Himself has assumed responsibility for your food and clothing.

On the need for food, Jesus Christ made reference to the birds.

He stated, ‘’they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly father feeds them.

Are you not of more value than they?

However, we must be active to provide for our needs.

Birds must scratch and search for food.

But they don’t worry about it.

Jesus Christ instructed us to center our lives on the kingdom of God.

Then, clothing food and shelter will be our as well.

Once you center your life on God and doing His will, all other things become possible.

Poverty of purpose is far worse than poverty of purse.

Read Matthew 6:25-34

 

 

 

The Chinese Model of Leadership

 EU Parliament Condemns Persecution Of Christians In Pakistan, Nigeria, Sudan

Mao Zedong popularly known as Chairman Mao, was successful with his noble goals for China through despotic means.

His leadership was severe, dictatorial and personalized.

For as long as Chairman Mao's  cultural revolution lasted, thousands of Chinese died of starvation and inhuman labor.

Mao and his co-travelers argued that same was the price their people had to pay  for re-education.

This brand of governance ensured the extermination of the heroes of the civil war and the old party chieftains by the President's armed squad.

Chairman Mao is perhaps the role model of those who hold sway in Nigeria today.

Indeed, the former Kaduna state Governor, Mallam Nasir El Rufai is among several other political office holders, who adored the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Those in support of this argument insist that on a number of occasions, the  former Kaduna state Governor had knelt down to greet and/or consult with the former President. 

They maintain that this was only a sign of respect in the traditional African setting.

Nigerians are yet to stop complaining of constitutional breaches and the unabated trampling of the rule of law in the dust, without noticeable changes by the powers that be.

From recent events in the country, the economic reform programs of the All Progressives  Congress(APC) led government at the center and  in the states, are modeled along the thinking of a free market economy.

It is doubtful, if government, in the last three years, has managed the economy for the benefit of Nigerians.

Of worry is the state of manufacturing industries, which could be said to be epileptic, even as food security is a  mirage, insecurity is the chorus everywhere, while crude oil remains the major hope of the present administration.

Interestingly, the future growth of the Nigerian economy  rests comfortably on diversification and focus on  visionary and creative people friendly economic policies, although government still over-rely and over-depends on crude oil to fund its programs.

Can the present administration turn around the troubled economy ? Nobody knows.

 Anglican Communion Backs Plan to Plant or Restore One Million Churches

Chinese Authorities Raid Early Rain Covenant Church Gathering, Detain 33 Christians 

 

Be Thankful

 Perhaps right now you feel afflicted and greatly limited — tired by circumstance, grief, or the slow pace of change. That feeling is real, and it’s the place many of us begin our search for contentment.

Genuine contentment isn’t learned all at once; it grows over time as a habit and a way of seeing life. One practical part of that growth is cultivating gratitude and thankfulness: small, repeatable practices that help you notice blessings even in hard times.

For example, imagine a person who lost a job and spent the first weeks overwhelmed by fear. By taking five minutes each morning to list one useful skill, one supportive person, and one small comfort (a warm drink, a call from a friend), she slowly shifted her perspective. That daily practice of thankfulness didn’t erase the problem, but it changed how she approached solutions and how hopeful she felt about the future.

Praising God can be a powerful way to re frame burdens as blessings for those who hold that faith; Psalm 145 is a psalm of praise that reminds readers of God’s steadfast care and compassion. Even if your spiritual path looks different, the underlying idea is the same: turning attention toward what is sustaining you — people, community, and the small gifts that keep life going — opens space for joy.

At difficult times, gratitude is not a quick fix but a steady practice. Try starting with one short habit today: each evening, name three things you noticed that were good about your day — big or small. Over weeks, this simple habit trains your mind to seek blessings and to find new ways to experience life, soften negativity, and reconnect with others and the world around you.

Start by noticing where you are now: name one feeling, one pressure, and one small comfort. This simple act of awareness prepares the mind for a gratitude practice that can reshape how you experience life.

1) Notice — Spend two minutes each morning scanning your life for one thing that went right yesterday. It can be as small as a warm cup of coffee, a helpful person who showed up, or a moment of calm amid chaos. Recording that one thing every day builds a habit of attention and begins to train your brain away from negativity.

2) Name it — Try a short gratitude journal: write three sentences each evening listing specific things you are thankful for. Be concrete: instead of “I’m thankful for my family,” write “I’m thankful that my friend called when I felt overwhelmed.” This specificity strengthens the feeling of thankfulness and makes the experience more real.

3) Share it — Gratitude grows when shared. Once a week, tell another person one thing you appreciated about them or about something they did. A quick note, text, or a spoken “thank you” connects you to others and spreads joy into the world.

4) Re-frame challenges — When difficulty comes, ask: “What can I learn from this?” and “What part of this situation contains a hidden blessing?” Reframing doesn’t dismiss pain; it creates a new perspective for action and hope. For many people, this way of thinking softens the edges of hardship and opens practical next steps.

5) Small daily practices — Pick one short way to practice gratitude every day: a two-minute breathing and thankfulness pause, a nightly three-item list, or a weekly story-sharing session with a friend. Consistency matters more than length; small, repeatable habits are the most sustainable.

Micro-story: A person who began listing one helpful skill and one supportive person each morning found that, after two weeks, she approached job-seeking with more confidence and less fear. The habit didn’t solve everything, but it changed her actions and opened new opportunities.

Over time, these practices change your perspective on life. Gratitude and thankfulness are skills you develop — part awareness, part routine, part willingness to look for blessings in ordinary moments. They help you engage the world with more curiosity and less reactivity.

Try this three-day challenge: every day, write three things you noticed that were good, say “thank you” to one person, and spend one minute reflecting on how those things affected your day. Notice how your experience of people, time, and the world begins to shift.

If spiritual practices matter to you, integrate praise or prayer into these habits; many find that reflecting on Psalm 145 or a short verse strengthens the feeling of connection and reinforces thankfulness. Whatever your path, the aim is the same: regular gratitude practices that bring more joy, balance, and meaning into everyday life.

Make thankfulness a practical habit: start today and give it seven days. Each morning notice one thing that brings you hope; each evening write three specific things you're grateful for; once this week tell another person one thing you appreciate about them.

This short challenge trains your perspective to notice blessings in ordinary life and reduces the pull of negativity. Over time, gratitude becomes a steady part of how you engage the world — bringing more joy, clearer priorities, and stronger connections with others.

If faith guides you, read Psalm 145 as a reminder of steady care and praise; if not, use whatever reflective practice fits you best. Either way, small, daily thankfulness practices change how people see their lives and open practical ways forward.

Ready to begin? Try the seven-day 

Be Thankful Challenge: commit to the simple steps above, and notice how your perspective and experience shift. Share one short story from your week with someone — and pass the practice on.

Read  Psalm 145

Also read-Iran Moves To Seize Tehran’s Oldest Protestant Church 

                -Christian Acquitted In Pakistan Blasphemy Case As New Attack Fuels Fears 

               -Report: Christians Face Deadly Persecution as Nigeria’s Violence Escalates