REMINISCING ON NIGERIA’S FALLING MERIT AND REWARD SYSTEM: Nigerians speaks
I woke up this morning with a tag on Facebook by a friend and colleague, Mr Philip lamenting over what he called “the falling merits and reward system in Nigeria”. In his words..
“It’s a year already that I officially graduated from the prestigious University of Ibadan with Distinction (CGPA 6.6) in Master of Library and Information Studies. Although, there were prizes listed in convocation proceedings for the best graduating student, but lo and behold, my name was not indicated as the recipient of those prizes.
Unfortunately, similar scenario transpired at TASUED, as the overall best graduating student, the governor, Ibikunle Amosun proudly said all First Class Graduates will be given automatic employment, but it was just a mere promise. Since 2014 till now none of us have been called for any appointment, after writing couple of letters to that effect. Vain promises, failed government.
Thank God I am not waiting for the Government to feed me and I am doing just fine by the Grace of God. I just pity my dear country, because brain drain will always be on the increase if this anomaly is not nipped in the bud.”
Also one Uchenna Ogbonnaya who was the Best graduating student of TASUED, 2015 academic session supported by also lamenting that he is facing similar issue as he is yet to even redeemed his prizes spanning over 100,000, let alone giving him a job as promised.
FYI, In 2015 Ajose Sehindemi from the NATION NEWSPAPER, reported that The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) under Dr Daniel Olukoya Foundation scheme, has rewarded 108 first class graduates, who are members of the church across different schools globally,with N500,000 each for their efforts.
In a related development, In 2015 also, The Vice Chancellor of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Ekiti, Prof. Michael Ajisafe announced that each of the first class recipients of the university will be rewarded with N500, 000, second class upper division honourees will be given N200,000 as a way of further promoting academic excellence.
The above scenarios were stated to show that some universities actually do give their rewards .
Below are some reactions of some Nigerians to this news.
In what Okesola Tiwalade Oluwasegun describe as pitiful situation, many has reacted as they believe is the beginning of poor academic performances in our universities. In his words..
It’s so pathetic. That is the pitiful situation we’ve found ourselves in Nigeria. Educational qualifications & meritorious distinctions have not been rewarded the way it ought to be done. Our government has continuously failed us in all aspects, especially in the educational sphere.
Adedoyin Kudehinbu recount…
Just yesterday i was discussing with my aunt about this same issue. It saddens my heart to think Nigeria isn’t only stagnant but as of now it is sinking, the bane is the lack of proper infrastructure in place to give a glimpse of hope to the masses especially graduates.
Similar to yours, in 2015 a Nigerian came out as the best graduating student, a position which is unprecedented in the history of the department and Uni at large. You see, this news made headline on punch newspaper, but sadly as we speak the said guy is wallowing in poverty. You don’t wanna imagine.
Trust me gone are the days i feel optimistic about the deplorable state of our country at the moment we can only keep hope alive, get our hands busy on anything we find, so we do not sink with this destiny killing nation.
John Oluwaseye Adebayo who believe the private universities are treating their best graduate well have this to say
“This development is another evidence to reveal level of decay in leadership and governance in our dear country. Nigeria is a country that does not celebrate excellence, little wonder our romance with mediocrity.
A nation that does not value excellence through research and development cannot become innovative! My current exploration of South Africa as a nation validates my position.
In Covenant University for instance, all the first class graduates are given automatic employment, as long as they want it. How will such institution not grow! Making a first class in Nigeria Public Universities is not a joke; people with such grades deserve national and state recognition. I know how painful it was when I was 0.5 away from that grade. Above all, I encourage all the people in this category to continue pursuing their goals and aspirations. However, Nigeria government should know that, when competent human resources are not celebrated, they will find green pastures that not only celebrate them, but also create conducive atmosphere for their scholarly activities.
Many prizes were listed for the best graduating student during my 2010 set, Nobody received any prize. NONE. it was all stated in the newspapers and nothing happened. It is such a shame. Serious shame.
Adedotun Victor Seyingbo who believe is ok to complain but in our worries, let us position to fix this mess,have this to say
I made up my mind from day one never to rely on their employment. For me, even first class brains must begin to think entrepreneurship, get practical with the theories we have made good grades from, get on the street and feel the sweat. The system is messy, yea, and while we complain, we all must ensure we get busy cleaning the mess as much as we can.
Having first class is a mentality, spirit, more of a lifestyle. Certificates have not sufficiently done justice to measuring brilliance, not with the kind of educational system we have where aspirations are destroyed. Every first class student must strive harder to bear this spirit and mindset at work in their various endeavours, on the street, in their workplace.
We must bring that energy, undying motivation and passion to succeed to bear in the industry. We didn’t make first class because the system was perfect, we made it despite the cracks in the system. If we can win then, we can win now. With our first class, the work has not finished, it has only begun. Let’s complain but in our worries, let us position to fix this mess. I believe we can…. to my friends and some of the most brilliant minds I have met, let us keep at
