“Things Fall Apart; the Centre Cannot Hold” – Chinua Achebe
With the ongoing failure of the Nigerian government to secure the nation, and its incapability to lift the people out of poverty, Nigeria is becoming a failed state… It is time for me to equip and fortify myself for the struggles ahead. It is time to prepare for the forthcoming exchanges. Consequently, this website, Africaundisguised, may not be as active as it used to be.
Great Ife! That was the solidarity call I shared with fellow students at the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, in the early 80s. Now christened Obafemi Awolowo University, it was one of the greatest ivory towers in Nigeria and Africa, when universities were worth their names in gold. Considered an architectural marvel of its time, everyone was comfortable when referring to the campus as “one of its kind in Africa.” The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the premier of the old Western Region, who conceived and delivered the institution and for whom it was renamed, did an excellent job. In addition to the rock-solid academic foothold enjoyed by the students, the other services rendered by the school authority were unparalleled.
Although, students were required to pay little amounts of money at the course registration desks, and student union, departmental, and association fees were paid, there were no perceptible tuition fees. We paid average of N90 for accommodation in a year. A sumptuous meal with a large chicken-part, ice-cream, fruits, tea or coffee cost only 50 kobo at any of the three major eateries – Central Cafeteria, Obafemi Awolowo Cafeteria, and Adekunle Fajuyi Cafeteria. The impressive Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library and the other places for studying were fairly-stocked. The laboratories were fairly equipped, too. Students received varying amounts of bursaries from federal and state governments. We also received blankets, bed-sheets, and toiletries from the hall administrators.
It wasn’t difficult for comfortable students who really wanted cars to own theirs. Good used cars cost N500 to N800, depending on models and years. Motorcycles were far cheaper than cars. If I recall correctly, it cost about one naira to watch movie at the grand Oduduwa Hall. Students didn’t have a hard time watching the visiting foreign bands of that generation, including Shalamar, Cool & the Gang, and Third World at the magnificent Oduduwa Hall’s amphitheater. As students, we had hope.
I remember my friends, Ayo Oyedeji (who was in Room 13 with me) and Ayo Fadaka (who lived in Room 12), both in Awolowo Hall during our first year, talking about how blessed we were to be at Great Ife. We were so proud to be Nigerians. There were things to live for, to be proud of, and to be patriotic about. Jobs were not extremely difficult to come by after graduation, and some students actually received offers before graduation. It is fair for me to stop here before the students, who are currently overburdened by the Nigerian government, go green with envy.
Sadly, some of the erstwhile students who benefited from the above hospitalities are now in government, and they are part of the choir singing the tune of “increase tuition fees at the nation’s universities.” It is tough for me to swallow the pill that some of the people with whom I shot clenched fists into the air and shouted “aluta continua, victoria acerta,” when the government muted the idea of increasing fees, are now advocating oil subsidy removal. This group of people, who ascended the wall of success with the ladder provided by the Nigerian government, are now promoting the removal of that same ladder. It is heartbreaking to hear some of those who paid peanuts for quality education now singing the discordant tune of higher tuition fees.
Cowards, Scums, Illiterates, and Bigots
The unprovoked attacks on Christians and churches by the terrorist group named Boko Haram on Christmas day was the most outrageous and disgusting news of the decade. The cowards, scums, illiterates, and filthy bigots murdered innocent children, defenseless women, and gentlemen in the name of God and religion. The slimy pagans in the garb of a religion went about playing God and disobeying the divine’s instruction – that man should leave judgement to God. The blood-sucking vampires went about insulting and giving religions bad names. Now, potential worshipers, who would have paid attention to them had they shown love, kindness, and gentleness, are calling their sect “VIOLENT.” What kind of religion kills children and women to earn believers? If I didn’t have a religion, why would I embrace a sect that spills blood to earn followers?
Where are the real Nigerian Muslims? Why are they hiding when they should be doing God’s will – fighting the bigots and taking back their religion from the barbarians called Boko Haram? Unfortunately, the world won’t know where to draw the line if the real Muslims cower down when a murderous group is giving their religion a bad name. If Nigerian Muslims want to be taken seriously, they won’t only speak up at this time; they will fight the bigots who are impersonating real Muslims. There are Muslims in my extended family and I have Muslim friends – they are humane, thoughtful, and God-fearing people. Real Muslims cannot be so intimidated and let Boko Haram insult their religion. Boko Haram is splitting Nigeria. Things are falling apart, and the Nigerian government is proving to be incapable of holding the nation together.
With the ongoing failure of the Nigerian government to secure the nation, and its incapability to lift the people out of poverty, Nigeria is becoming a failed state. It is obvious that a struggle is on its way to Nigeria. Since I hate being caught unprepared, it is time for me to equip and fortify myself for the struggles ahead. It is time to prepare for the forthcoming exchanges. Consequently, this website, Africaundisguised, may not be as active as it used to be. For me, the preparation for the struggle for a free Nigeria devoid of corruption, nepotism, sectionalism, and religious bigotry has begun.
