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Opinion

 Enough Of ASUU’s Unending Strike

Published

4 years ago

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I have been one of the ardent supporters of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), because it is the vanguard for development of the Nigerian society. The role of lecturers or teachers in the Education sector at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels in moulding character and developing the intellectual capacity of students through teaching and learning cannot be treated as a second fiddle. It is in realisation of the human capacity development and consequent development of the society that the United Nations urges member nations to give to the Education sector a minimum of 15 percent of their total annual budget. Though Nigeria is a member nation of the United Nations she has failed in ratifying this convention. The highest the Education sector in Nigeria has received in the last 10 years is about 7.5 percent of the nation’s annual budget. The present and successive administrations have not done well at all. In fact, the Education sector is suffering from the cumulative apathy of the past and present administrations to the sector. The infrastructural decay in the public schools is saddening. In some communities there is no roof over school children thus making the feasibility of teaching and learning difficult. When I consider the gross understaffing in some schools, the absence of conducive teaching and learning environment and dearth of facilities to drive learning for maximum productivity, I can not help but to be on the side of ASUU.
However, having shut down public universities since February 14, without the Federal Government led by General Muhammadu Buhari and his Minister for Labour and Employment Chris Ngige, seeing the need to reach a truce for the sake of parents and students, the principle of empathy requires that the striking universities lecturers should reconsider their stance for the sake of the students and parents-the primary consumers of education and return to the classroom. The continuous resort to legal tussle even when the Appeal Court has ordered them to go to work leaves much to be desired. Two wrongs can not make a right. There should be a limit to contesting for one’s right because if you insist on your right,  you might end up not getting it after all. There is also the possibility of losing the support of sympathisers when a struggle is protracted. Parents and students are in a dilemma over who to confront presently. The popular support that the universities, teachers once enjoyed is waning because the parents and students who were at the forefront of the titanic struggle for better funding for the universities are beginning to see the “adamant” position of ASUU as unfriendly to them. In such situation, the Federal Government’s resort to self help and actions that negate labour laws to curb the perceived excesses and whittle down the influence of ASUU in the university community, may enjoy the approval of those who are directly affected. Experience has revealed that what the people support in this country always stands even though it is an illegality. It is common knowledge that some administrations in some States in  Nigeria had taken certain decision that breached the provision (s) of our grand norm, such action was contested in courts of competent jurisdiction and was accordingly voided by the court, yet the court’s  judgement did not stop the government from sustaining their illegality.
A wise man does not fight to finish or die. It is wisdom to fight and run when the ovation is loudest than to suffer humiliating defeat. Striking universities’ lecturers should listen to the Appeal Court and return to classrooms immediately. By so doing they will continue to enjoy the goodwill of the people. If ASUU appeals to the Supreme Court for a stay of execution of the judgement of the Court of Appeal which upheld the judgement of National Industrial Court, they will be compelled to submit in defeat rather than resigning to the appeals of parents, students and well-meaning Nigerians.  No doubt, this is a country where the option to conflict resolution is strike or industrial disharmony. The seeming callousness of the Federal Government is a very strong indication that this present administration is apathetic to education and the development of the country. Education is the bedrock of the development of any society for which human development index is a function of.  For a government to not take education as a priority shows, without mincing words, that it is clueless and has no development plan. The Federal Government is consciously and intentionally creating a generational gap  in  manpower structure of the nation. This we must view as an  effort to deny the less privileged an opportunity for a university education,  thereby sustaining the disparity in social class. I stand though  to be corrected that the children of those in the government of Muhammadu Buhari are all in private universities otherwise, how would any one explain the continuous closure of public universities for this length of time.   It is quite painful to observe that the public office holders are major stakeholders in private universities, using our tax-payers’ money to fund private universities at the expense of public universities and other consumers of education. If ASUU members therefore should understand the gimmick of the government officials in table with them, then, they should be wise not to allow them achieve their  aim by calling for the resumption of school now.
Meanwhile, last week, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Muhammadu Buhari accused some members of ASUU of corruption. President Buhari made the accusation during the Fourth National Summit on Diminishing Corruption in the Public Sector at the State House Conference Centre, Aso Rock. According to President Buhari, ASUU is no less complicit in the corruption in tertiary institutions. This is a grave accusation that should not be treated with kid gloves. This is coming on the heels of the universities, lecturers union also being accused of flagrant refusal to submit its audited financial reports to the relevant authorities for five years. And by so doing, breaching extant labour laws. An action which the Federal Government through the Dr Chris Ngige-led Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment threatened to initiate action to withdraw the licence of the Union. Why has a union of academics and people versed with the relevant provisions of the labour laws failed to submit its audited account for five years. There seems to be more to their action than meets the eye. Some members of the Union whose children are in private universities are also being accused of aiding the Federal Government to promote private university education, that is why they have remained adamant to the clarion calls and, appeals on them to return to classes. Government has also accused universities’ administrators of either misappropriation or outright embezzlement of subvention or intervention agencies’ financial support for infrastructural development in universities. These are serious issues that ASUU must address. Though the burden of proof lies on the Federal Government, ASUU should be able to put the records straight and let the public get its side of the tango with the Federal Government on the issue. He who clamours for equity should do so with hands that are clean.

By: Mckenzie Charles
Mckenzie  resides in Port Harcourt.

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Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship 

Published

2 weeks ago

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June 17, 2026

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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
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Opinion

Yahoo Culture And Nigeria’s Moral Fabric

Published

2 weeks ago

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June 17, 2026

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Quote “A society that celebrates wealth without questioning its source gradually breeds a generation that despises hard work, glorifies fraud, and ultimately destroys itself from within.”
Nigeria’s battle against insecurity is not limited to terrorism. Another destructive force—popularly known as “Yahoo”—has steadily eaten into the nation’s moral and social fabric. Internet fraud, which has become synonymous with “Yahoo” in local parlance, poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s image, economy, and future. The activities of internet fraudsters have tarnished the country’s reputation globally. As a result, many law-abiding Nigerians abroad or seeking legitimate opportunities overseas often face suspicion and discrimination because of the notoriety created by these criminal elements. Originally, Yahoo was merely the name of an internet search engine created in 1994 by Stanford graduates Jerry Yang and David Filo. In Nigeria, however, the term has evolved into a culture driven by greed and materialism. It has become a disturbing subculture with its own language and values.
Expressions such as “mugu fall, guy man chop” celebrate the exploitation of unsuspecting victims, portraying fraud as intelligence and deceit as success. Yahoo boys are notorious for flaunting their ill-gotten wealth. They parade expensive cars, spend lavishly, and often display arrogance towards elders and society. Their extravagant lifestyle has even been blamed for rising rents and increased cost of living in cities such as Port Harcourt. Following crackdowns in Delta and Edo states, there have been concerns over the growing presence of these elements in Rivers State. What is particularly disturbing is that many of these young men and women, some as young as teenagers, have no legitimate source of income yet live in luxury. Their actions have ruined businesses, impoverished victims, and in some cases pushed people into depression, heart attacks, and suicide.
Yet, they continue to operate openly with frightening confidence. The prevalence of Yahoo culture reflects the deep moral decay in society. Sadly, some families not only tolerate the illicit activities of their children but celebrate and pray for their success. Anyone who condemns the practice often becomes the target of abuse and ridicule. A Port Harcourt-based pastor once experienced fierce backlash from Yahoo sympathisers after speaking against the menace. Nigeria’s permissive environment has unintentionally allowed the practice to flourish. Weak institutions, compromised law enforcement, and families unwilling to question the source of sudden wealth among unemployed youths have all contributed to the problem. The virtues of patience, diligence, and integrity are steadily being replaced by greed and a desperate desire for quick riches.
Perhaps one of the greatest casualties of Yahoo culture is education. The value of years of hard work and academic excellence has been diminished. Many young people now dismiss formal education as a scam, while apprenticeship and vocational training are increasingly looked down upon. The obsession with easy money has encouraged school dropout rates and undermined the culture of honest enterprise. An even more disturbing dimension is the emergence of what many describe as “Yahoo Phase II”—a phenomenon associated with ritual practices and occult beliefs. Although stories surrounding these practices are often difficult to verify, reports of ritual killings, organ harvesting, and other horrific crimes have heightened public fears. Young people seeking wealth at all costs are said to subject themselves to bizarre and inhumane instructions from self-styled spiritualists, resulting in unimaginable tragedies.
Regardless of the myths and realities surrounding these claims, one fact remains undeniable: the pursuit of wealth without values has devastating consequences. Society is increasingly witnessing cases of substance abuse, mental instability, and mysterious deaths among youths whose lives are built on criminality and desperation. Nigeria cannot afford to remain indifferent while a generation is consumed by greed and moral bankruptcy. Combating Yahoo culture requires more than arrests and prosecutions. Families must instill values of honesty and hard work. Religious leaders, educators, and community leaders must consistently promote integrity. Government institutions must strengthen the rule of law and ensure that crime does not pay. Above all, society must stop celebrating wealth without questioning its source. No nation can attain sustainable development when fraud is admired, hard work is ridiculed, and criminality is rewarded.
 The future of Nigeria depends on raising a generation that values character above riches and integrity above material possessions. If this dangerous culture is left unchecked, the consequences will be severe. But if the nation collectively chooses the path of morality, accountability, and industry, there remains hope that the tide can be reversed and the country’s dignity restored.
By;  Confidence Adoo
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Opinion

Good Health Through Socrates’  Prescription 

Published

3 weeks ago

on

June 8, 2026

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Quote: “In an age of advanced medicine and endless health information, the greatest prescription may still be the oldest one: know yourself. True health begins when we understand our bodies, emotions, habits and choices.”
The 21st century has ushered in extraordinary progress in science, technology and medicine. Diseases that once claimed millions of lives can now be prevented or treated. Information is available instantly, while fitness applications, health trackers and modern healthcare facilities have become part of everyday life. Yet, despite these advances, many people continue to struggle with physical illnesses, emotional stress, anxiety, depression and lifestyle-related diseases. This contradiction raises an important question: Why are people becoming increasingly unhealthy in an age of remarkable medical advancement? Part of the answer may lie in the timeless wisdom associated with the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates: “Know thyself.” Though spoken more than two thousand years ago, these words remain profoundly relevant today. They remind us that genuine wellbeing begins with self-understanding.
Knowing oneself goes beyond knowing one’s name, occupation or social status. It involves understanding one’s body, emotions, habits, strengths, weaknesses and aspirations. It means recognizing how daily choices affect physical, mental and emotional health. In many respects, self-knowledge forms the foundation of healthy living. One of the greatest health challenges today is the tendency to ignore warning signs until serious problems emerge. Many people neglect symptoms such as persistent fatigue, poor sleep, chronic stress, unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. Because they are disconnected from their bodies, they fail to recognize that their health is gradually deteriorating. A person who truly knows himself pays attention to these signals. Such an individual understands which foods nourish the body and which habits undermine health. They recognize when rest is necessary,
when stress levels become dangerous and when professional medical attention should be sought. Self-awareness encourages preventive action long before illness develops. The same principle applies to mental and emotional health. Modern life is filled with pressures. Social media often encourages unhealthy comparisons, while economic challenges, family responsibilities and workplace demands create enormous psychological burdens. Many people suffer silently because they have not learned to understand or manage their emotions. Knowing oneself means recognizing emotional triggers, vulnerabilities and sources of stress. It involves identifying feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger or frustration before they become overwhelming. Self-aware individuals are more likely to seek support, adopt healthy coping mechanisms and maintain emotional balance.
Self-knowledge also promotes discipline. Many of today’s health problems are linked to lifestyle choices. Excessive consumption of processed foods, alcohol abuse, smoking, substance misuse, physical inactivity and poor sleeping habits contribute significantly to disease burdens around the world. Most people are aware of these risks. The challenge is often not a lack of information but a lack of self-understanding. Individuals who understand their motivations, weaknesses and tendencies are better equipped to resist harmful habits and develop healthier routines. In this way, self-knowledge becomes a powerful tool for self-control. Socrates also taught that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” While philosophical in origin, this statement has practical implications for health. Examining one’s life encourages honest reflection. Are we eating wisely? Are we exercising enough?
Are we sleeping adequately? Are we managing stress effectively? Are we maintaining healthy relationships? These are not merely philosophical questions. They are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Honest answers can reveal habits that require improvement and inspire positive change. Ironically, while technology has made health information more accessible, it has also made self-understanding more difficult. Many people spend hours following social media trends and public personalities while paying little attention to their own health. They know more about celebrities than they know about their blood pressure, sleep quality or emotional wellbeing. A healthier society will require more than modern hospitals and advanced medications. It will require citizens who actively seek to understand themselves. Preventive healthcare begins with personal awareness.
Parents, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals and policymakers all have important roles to play in promoting self-awareness. Young people should be taught not only academic subjects but also emotional intelligence, self-reflection, healthy lifestyle habits and personal responsibility. Ultimately, Socrates’ ancient wisdom remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago. A person who understands himself is more likely to make healthy decisions, maintain emotional stability, build resilience and seek help when necessary. The journey to good health does not begin in a hospital, pharmacy or gymnasium. It begins within. As the world continues to confront complex health challenges, perhaps the most powerful prescription requires no expensive technology or medication. It is the enduring wisdom that has stood the test of time: know yourself. In understanding ourselves, we discover one of the surest paths to healthier, happier and more meaningful lives.
By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
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