One of the key platforms in the Programmes of most Political Parties in the run up to the 2023 Elections, was Restructuring of the Nigerian Polity. The proposals were to reduce centripetal tendencies and create space for as-the-need-dictates Innovation.
Two years after, both Winners and non-Winners of the Elections have intensified Unitary tendencies and anti-Federal dispositions such as inviting the 774 Local Governments and the 6 Area Councils of the FCT to the Monthly FAAC Meetings, regardless of the sheer waste and logistics nightmare.
The Registrar of JAMB Professor Oloyede, did not place a finger on what went wrong with the UTME, in the South East Zone and Lagos, despite his emotive tears. There is Statement by JAMB fixing the Resit Examination, peremptorily for Tomorrow, Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17. How many candidates, including those writing the SSCE will know and get psychologically ready for the test? Or is it to fulfill all righteousness?
It brings to mind, the Cavalier manner in which INEC Chairman. Professor Mohammed Yakubu dismissed the monumental failure to activate the IREV, during the Presidential Election and his arrogant failure to testify at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEEPT), after he was duly summoned.
The truth will set us free.
In a Federation in which there are varied and various University proprietors, should Nigeria have a common Matriculation Scheme?
If Ironsi’s Unification Decree No. 34 was vehemently rejected, why should there be uniform Local Government, Land Use Decree and such contrivances in Nigeria?
If there must be JAMB, it should be for establishments that agree and sign on.
One other thing. Virtual learning in what is now termed SMART Schools and computer-based tests/examinations, will reduce reading, writing and arithmetic ability. How will the next generation of Pius Okigbo, Ojetunji Aboyade, Cyril Onwumechili, Umaru Shehu, Chinua Achebe, John Munonye, Flora Nwapa, I. N. C. Aniebo, Cyprain Ekwensi, Amos Tutuola, Mamman Vatsa, Elechi Amadi, Gabriel Okara, Vincent Ike, Christoper Okigbo, John Pepper Clark, Femi Osofisan, Tony Ubesie and Ngozi Adichie, come from?
The young girl who took her life, in Lagos State, because her 2025 UTME score was worse than her previous attempt, cannot be brought back to life. Yet it is a Cautionary Tale of what is lost in the sad Labyrinth that Nigeria has become.
A Stitch in Time, Saves Nine.
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Signatories:
Dr. Uma Eleazu
BoT Chair
Engr. Chris Okoye
President, Anya-Ndi-Igbo
Agbalanze Chike Madueke
President, Aka-Ikenga
Prof. Elo Amuchazi
President, Igbo Leaders of Thoughts
Prof. Chinedu Nebo
President, Nzuko Umunna Development Foundation
Bishop Obi Onubogu
Chairman, BoT, Alaigbo
Dr. Festus Okere
Chairman, World Igbo Congress (WIC)
Iyom Josephine Anenih
President, Nkata NdiInyom
Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu
President, Otu Oka Iwu (Igbo Lawyers Society Worldwide)
Chief Chris Ekeoba Ugodinma
President, Association of Alaigbo Town Unions, Lagos
Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze
President, Igbo World Assembly (IWA)
Amadiebube Mbama
Chairman, Global Igbo Leaders
Dr. Mrs. Uzoama Josephine Aguoji
President, Council of Igbo States in America (CISA)
