Opinion

Reforming Nigerian Youth (I)

Published

12 years ago

September 29, 2014

There is no gainsay
ing the fact that youth of a nation represent and stand as the pillar and the future leaders of that nation.
If the youth of a nation have failed in their responsibilities and are weak, what then, do that nation hold for a better tomorrow?
According to the wall Street Journal (April 6, 1990), one may define the Ideal Youth as a balanced individual exhibiting a highly spiritual life, informed by absolute moral values and whose behaviour demonstrates qualities such as righteousness, honesty, humility and conscientiousness in everything he or she does. It is clear that the above attributes are contrary to the attributes seen in 70 per cent of our youth today.
It is obvious and unarguable that today, our youth are facing a lot of challenges which include identity crisis. Identity is one of the vital things any individual should have one without identity, is lost. It is obvious that most of our youths have lost their identity directly or indirectly, most especially in terms of our culture and tradition.
It is regrettable that our today’s youth now practice and prefer the western, culture, abandoning our own culture, Traditions are no more valued in our society today. How many of our youth can proudly speak their dialect. How many of our youth know about the customs and traditions of their people? Strange enough most of them are not even interested in having a view about it.
Today, our youth no longer value the traditional marriage. When they are just able to do the white man’s tradition, white wedding as they will call it, they won’t bother again about the traditional ceremony in as much as they have seen the bride’s parent.
Unknown to them that our traditional marriage have greater significant than the white wedding because that is the white man culture.
This is critical in our country because we consider the whiteman’s culture to be superior and we have taken all their words hook, line and sinker. They use the name of Christianity to term our culture evil and bad. Yes, there are some repugnant culture that should be abolished, but there are basic culture that easily tells where one hails from.
How many people or youth still value our native attire? How many people still offer cola nut as a mark of welcome to visitors?
How many of our youth still bow when greeting their elders?
Much as it seems, parents contribute greatly in pushing our culture away from our youths and children. Some parents want their children to learn the whitemans’ language before their dialect. If by tomorrow the children cannot speak their dialect how then can they teach their own children their dialect? If parents still practice and teach their children their basic culture and tradition, most of these atrocities committed by youths will not be in the increase.
Government should ensure that our Nigerian Languages and culture are strictly taught in our various institutions, from nursery to tertiary. On their own part, young parent should not stop the flow of our culture and tradition to their children. Our culture is our identity, and our identity is our pride and it should be valued.
Another area is moral conduct. Our today’s youth lack morals in terms of speech, behaviour and dressing. Foul language has become the order of the day. They lack respects.
Today’s youth, especially boy no longer prefer to feed on vegetables, foods. Rather, they spend their whole money to feed on drugs, alcohol and cigarette even when they are aware that these habits are detrimental to their health. And this is why Nigerian youths die young.
But giving this case a closer view, one will agree that taking drugs alcohol and cigarette is not bad, but what makes it bad is when it is abused.
You will agree with me that to an extent the Nigeria military force have hand in this together with some top officials and eminent people in the society. The military men started misusing it and are still doing so, they take it to get themselves high, so they can freely intimidate civilians without fear. When some civilian youths who look up to these military men as role model find out the secret, they freely gave in to the behaviour.
It is all too well known that drugs like cocaine have been banned in this country, so how then do some youths still get access to them. It is obvious that some custom officers and other security personnel are not doing their work loyally.

Ikejemba, writes from Tansian University.

Now government is using force to stop these immoral conducts. How can they be tackled when thye themselves are the law breakers?
Something is dirty we use water to wash it. When water is dirty what shall we use to wash it? So the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should look out and lets call a spade a spade.
In the aspect of dressing, most youth are yet to realize that there is more to decency. Skimpy, wears, nude dressings and sagging have become the order of the today’s fashion.
Little do they know that it exposes them to sexual harassment and depicts irresponsilities. It is said that the way you dress shows who you are and determines the manner of approach to you.
If you are not a prostitute and you dress like one, people will definitely address you as a prostitute. Similarly, if you are not a criminal and you dress like one, obviously, people’s eyes will be on you.
It is sad that some parents are the ones encouraging these. Even fashion designers are themselves not helping matters at all. They unveil designs neither they nor their children would wear.
Are nude dressing and fashion pant of civilization? Government should check the activities of fashion designers in Nigeria.
Some lecturers in some of our various institutions permit any kind of dressing code into their lecture hall. Yes, it is a university and everybody has his/her own life to live the way they want. But they are still student. So a student should dress like a student when coming from lecture and not dressing like a party order. If some parents could not pass such conduct to their children, institutions should help as they are citadels of learning.
Worse still, is the negative impact of electronic and social media: Entertainment. No doubt that the birth of technology and social media have brought about transformation and globalization. In our country and the world at large. But is has done more harm than good in our society.
Most youths have allowed themselves to be addicted and drawn into social media activities like chatting, hacking and frauding online. More than average Nigerian youths spend nothing less than 12 hours of their time doing nothing, but chatting online with friends while others are on pornography movies and photos.
According to John McCdwels view on the negative impact of technology that we are witnessing a phenomenal advancement in technology over the last three decades, and our citizens are expressing remarkable social and cultural change.
That technology has influenced the way we think about life in general and interpersonal human relations in particular. Certainly, religion should influence all aspects of our life. It regulates our relationship to God and fellow human beings.
Also that television in particular has gone beyond it mandate to assist the family and the school in providing visual aid and education to the young. It has taken upon itself to the destructive and distingrative instincts, to provoke greed, unlimited self-gratification, and absence of moral restraint in its young audience.
There is a need for Muslims to join other religious groups in the quest for more responsible TV programming.
Religious groups must create alternate avenues for recreation and social interaction. There should be avenues where spiritual and social activities combine to make the average child a whole human being whose life is directed to God.
In accordance to Mrs Adebisis on an interview, she said that the major problem is that most youth have turn away from the part of God and that most youth have deviated from righteousness. And that if youths amends their way and change their mind setting towards the way of God, that definitely half of these challenges will be tackled. So she is calling on all the youths to follow the way of God and do the right thing at the right time.
In conclusion, it is time we realize that we have challenges that we must face. All hand msut be on deck to tackle it. Let all the youth know that the nation and society needs their strength and ability. The youths should give the nation and society hope for a better tomorrow and not to make them think we are lost generation.
Ikejemba, writes from Tansian University.

Chianugo Ikejemba

Opinion

Making the Out-of-School Children Survey Count

Published

18 hours ago

July 27, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “Reliable data may reveal the scale of Nigeria’s out-of-school crisis, but only sustained political will and practical action can ensure that every child is given the opportunity to learn, thrive and contribute to national development.”

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, recently announced that the Federal Government, in partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), will conduct a nationwide household survey to determine the actual number of out-of-school children in Nigeria. The exercise is intended to provide reliable data for evidence-based education policies and targeted interventions. Current estimates put the number of out-of-school children at between 15 million and 20 million, placing Nigeria among the countries with the highest number of children excluded from formal education. At first glance, this is a commendable initiative. One of Nigeria’s greatest developmental challenges has been the absence of accurate and reliable data. Without dependable statistics, planning becomes difficult, implementation inefficient, and evaluation of government programmes almost impossible.

The nation’s actual population also remains uncertain because of the absence of an up-to-date national census. Estimates range from below 200 million to over 250 million, making effective planning a daunting task. Sound policies on education, healthcare, housing, employment and infrastructure all depend on credible population statistics. Against this backdrop, the proposed survey deserves commendation. If government succeeds in generating reliable figures, it will be better positioned to allocate resources equitably, identify areas of greatest need and design interventions based on facts rather than assumptions. Accurate data will also make it easier to monitor progress and assess whether efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children are achieving the desired results.

However, beyond the good intentions lie important questions. Will state governments provide the enabling environment for an objective and transparent survey? Since education is on the concurrent legislative list, the cooperation of state governments will largely determine the credibility of the exercise. Politics could easily influence the process. States with higher numbers of out-of-school children may qualify for greater intervention funds from the Federal Government and development partners. Would this tempt some states to inflate their figures? On the other hand, high numbers could portray a state government as performing poorly in the education sector. Would some governors therefore seek to understate the figures to protect their image? These concerns are legitimate because whenever statistics are tied to political interests or financial benefits, the temptation to manipulate them cannot be ignored.

Equally important are questions about the survey itself. When will it begin? How long will it last? What methodology will be adopted? Will every household be covered, including those in remote rural communities and areas plagued by insecurity? Does the government have the manpower, funding, technology and security arrangements needed for such a nationwide exercise? Nigeria has witnessed several well-intentioned national programmes that fell short because of poor planning and inadequate logistics. Many Nigerians will remember that the proposed national population census scheduled a few years ago was postponed despite extensive preparations. Funding constraints and logistical challenges contributed to its suspension. What guarantees are there that this survey will not suffer a similar fate? More importantly, what becomes of the findings after the exercise? Nigeria is not short of reports or data collection initiatives.

The recurring challenge has been the lack of political will to translate findings into concrete policies and sustained action. The survey must not become another document gathering dust on government shelves. Instead, it should serve as the basis for measurable interventions, continuous monitoring and improved educational outcomes. Beyond producing accurate figures, the survey must also uncover the reasons children remain outside the classroom. Addressing the crisis requires more than counting affected children. It demands an understanding of the social, economic and cultural factors responsible for the problem. Issues such as the Almajiri system and other practices that discourage formal education should be carefully examined while respecting cultural values and protecting every child’s right to quality education. Poverty remains a major barrier, as many parents cannot afford school-related expenses, forcing children into street trading or child labour

Insecurity has also led to the closure of schools in several communities, depriving thousands of children of learning opportunities.Government must therefore complement the survey with practical measures. Strengthening social protection for vulnerable families, improving school infrastructure, recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, enhancing security around schools and enforcing compulsory basic education are all essential. Equally important is sustained collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and development partners to address the root causes of school exclusion. The proposed survey presents an opportunity to replace guesswork with credible evidence. However, its true value will not be measured by the number of households visited or questionnaires completed. Its success will depend on whether the findings inspire bold policies, adequate funding and sustained action that ensure every Nigerian child, regardless of location or background, has access to quality education. Only then will the exercise move beyond statistics to become a genuine instrument for national development.

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

African Women: Beyond the Stereotypes

Published

18 hours ago

July 27, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”The story of the Tuareg women reminds us that Africa is not defined by a single narrative. Across the continent are cultures where women have long enjoyed dignity, influence and authority, proving that Africa’s history is far richer and more diverse than stereotypes suggest.”

For generations, Africa has often been portrayed through a single, narrow lens. News headlines, documentaries and social media feeds have tended to focus on poverty, conflict, disease and political instability, creating the impression that the continent has only one story to tell. While these challenges are real and deserve attention, they represent only a fraction of Africa’s rich history and cultural diversity. Reducing a continent of over a billion people and thousands of ethnic groups to one narrative does a great disservice to its people and heritage. One striking example of Africa’s diversity can be found among the Tuareg people of the Sahara Desert. Spread across Mali, Niger, Algeria, Libya and Burkina Faso, the Tuareg have preserved unique customs for centuries despite the harsh desert environment. Their society challenges many of the assumptions people hold about gender roles, particularly in African and Islamic communities.

Unlike many patriarchal societies where inheritance and authority are passed mainly through men, Tuareg tradition gives women a remarkable degree of respect, influence and autonomy. Family lineage is traced through the mother’s line, making women central to the identity and continuity of the family. This matrilineal system has helped shape a culture where women enjoy privileges that are uncommon in many parts of the world. Traditionally, Tuareg women own the family tents, which symbolise the household itself. They may also possess livestock, jewellery and other valuable property. In many families, women exercise considerable control over household wealth and inherit important possessions from their mothers. These rights are not viewed as extraordinary but as a natural part of their social structure. Marriage customs among the Tuareg are equally fascinating.

Women generally have a significant voice in choosing whom they marry, and divorce carries far less social stigma than it does in many other societies. If a marriage fails, a woman often returns to her family with her property and continues to enjoy the respect of her community. Rather than being treated as outcasts, divorced women frequently remarry if they choose. Such practices demonstrate a long-standing recognition of women’s dignity and independence. Perhaps even more intriguing is the value placed on female education and literacy. Historically, Tuareg women have often been more literate than the men. They preserve ancient poetry, songs and oral traditions that define the identity of their people. Through storytelling and cultural instruction, they pass history and values from one generation to another, ensuring that their heritage survives despite changing times.

Ironically, in Tuareg culture, it is often the men who wear the famous indigo veils that have become synonymous with the “Blue People of the Sahara.” The veil is worn for cultural and spiritual reasons and has become a symbol of maturity and honour among Tuareg men. This reversal of what many outsiders expect further illustrates how dangerous it is to judge societies using stereotypes. However, it is important to avoid replacing one stereotype with another. While Tuareg women enjoy rights that are impressive by many standards, their lives are not without challenges. Modern conflicts, climate change, economic hardship, displacement and political instability have affected Tuareg communities across the Sahara. Like many women worldwide, they continue to navigate social, economic and security concerns. Their story is therefore one of resilience rather than perfection.

The experience of the Tuareg also reminds us that Africa has never been culturally uniform. Across the continent are societies with widely varying traditions concerning leadership, inheritance, marriage and gender relations. Some communities are patriarchal, others matrilineal, while many combine elements of both. Understanding this diversity is essential if we are to appreciate Africa beyond simplistic generalisations. The colonial partition of Africa further complicated many indigenous institutions. European powers drew borders that divided ethnic groups and disrupted long-established systems of governance and social organisation. In some places, colonial administrations replaced or weakened traditional practices that had evolved over centuries. Yet many communities, including the Tuareg, have managed to preserve important aspects of their cultural identity despite these disruptions.

There is an important lesson here for Africans themselves. Too often, people accept narratives about their continent that are written entirely by outsiders. While criticism of Africa’s problems is necessary, celebrating its strengths is equally important. Indigenous knowledge, cultural diversity and historical achievements deserve the same attention as stories of crisis. Doing so creates a more balanced understanding of the continent and inspires confidence among younger generations. The story of the Tuareg women is not merely about female empowerment; it is about the richness of African civilisation. It reminds us that leadership, dignity and freedom can take different forms across cultures. Their example challenges long-held assumptions and encourages a more thoughtful appreciation of Africa’s complexity.

Ultimately, Africa cannot be understood through a single story. Its peoples, languages, traditions and histories are too vast and varied for such reduction. The Tuareg women of the Sahara stand as living proof that beneath the sweeping sands of the desert lies a civilisation whose values continue to surprise and inspire the world. As we seek to understand Africa better, we must move beyond stereotypes and embrace the many stories that together form the true identity of the continent

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship

Published

1 month ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Love is not sustained by sharing the same bed or displaying affection in public; it is preserved by the daily investment of trust, understanding, empathy, and meaningful conversations. Two people can be physically close yet emotionally distant, because lasting relationships are built not merely on intimacy, but on the consistent nurturing of hearts that remain genuinely connected.”

In an age where relationships are often measured by appearances, social media posts, and outward displays of affection, many couples are discovering a painful truth: physical closeness does not always translate into emotional connection. Two people can share the same bed, hold hands in public, and even maintain a seemingly happy home, yet remain strangers to each other’s deepest thoughts, fears, dreams, and struggles. This reality is captured in the thought-provoking message that emotional intimacy goes far beyond physical intimacy. While physical attraction may ignite a relationship, emotional connection is what sustains it. When emotional bonds weaken, relationships begin to suffer quietly, often long before any visible signs of trouble emerge.

One of the greatest misconceptions about love is the belief that affection alone is enough to keep a relationship healthy. In reality, genuine love requires much more than romantic gestures and physical presence. It requires understanding, communication, trust, empathy, and the willingness to be vulnerable with one another. Without these elements, couples may coexist rather than truly connect. Many relationships today are experiencing a silent crisis. Couples are spending more time together physically but less time engaging meaningfully. Busy schedules, work pressures, financial challenges, digital distractions, and personal ambitions have reduced many conversations to routine exchanges about bills, children, responsibilities, and daily survival. The deeper conversations that nurture emotional intimacy are gradually disappearing.

As a result, many partners feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. They may be present in the relationship physically, but emotionally they feel isolated. This emotional distance often creates frustration, resentment, and loneliness. Ironically, a person can feel more alone in a relationship lacking emotional connection than when they are physically alone. The danger of emotional disconnection is that it rarely announces itself loudly. Unlike dramatic conflicts or public scandals, it develops gradually. It starts when couples stop sharing their feelings openly. It grows when assumptions replace communication. It deepens when one partner feels consistently ignored, dismissed, or taken for granted. Over time, the relationship loses its warmth and vitality.This explains why some marriages and relationships that appear perfect from the outside eventually collapse unexpectedly.

Observers are often shocked because they only saw the physical togetherness, not the emotional distance that had been growing for years beneath the surface. Relationships do not usually break down overnight; they deteriorate through the accumulation of unresolved emotional gaps. Building emotional intimacy, therefore, requires deliberate effort. It is not a one-time achievement but a daily commitment. Emotional connection is built through consistent acts of attention, kindness, and understanding. It develops when partners genuinely listen to each other without judgment. It grows when people feel safe enough to express their fears, disappointments, and aspirations without fear of criticism or rejection. Trust plays a crucial role in this process. Emotional intimacy flourishes in an environment where honesty is valued and confidentiality is respected. When trust is broken, emotional walls quickly rise.

Rebuilding those walls requires patience, sincerity, and a willingness to heal together. Another important ingredient is empathy. Every individual wants to feel understood. Sometimes partners do not necessarily need solutions to their problems; they simply need someone who listens and acknowledges their feelings. A relationship becomes stronger when both individuals strive to understand each other’s perspectives rather than merely defend their own positions. Quality time is equally important. In a world dominated by smartphones and endless digital distractions, couples must intentionally create moments of genuine interaction. Simple activities such as sharing a meal, taking a walk, discussing personal goals, or praying together can strengthen emotional bonds significantly.

These moments communicate an important message: “You matter to me.” Respect also forms the foundation of emotional closeness. Partners who consistently speak respectfully to each other, even during disagreements, create a healthier environment for intimacy to thrive. Emotional connection cannot flourish where there is constant criticism, ridicule, or contempt. Perhaps the most important lesson is that emotional intimacy is not built by grand gestures alone. It is cultivated through small, consistent actions repeated over time. A thoughtful conversation, a sincere apology, a word of encouragement, or a genuine expression of appreciation can have a profound impact on the health of a relationship. Ultimately, the strength of any relationship lies not merely in physical proximity but in emotional accessibility. The question is not whether two people occupy the same space, but whether they truly know and understand each other.

Lasting love is sustained when hearts remain connected even amid life’s challenges. As society continues to grapple with increasing relationship difficulties, couples must remember that emotional intimacy is not optional; it is essential. Physical attraction may bring people together, but emotional connection keeps them together. It is built daily through communication, trust, empathy, respect, and intentional effort. When emotional intimacy is nurtured, relationships become more resilient, fulfilling, and meaningful. And when two hearts remain genuinely connected, love does not merely survive—it flourishes

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi