Editorial
Nigeria At 52, Greater Future In Sight
On October 1st, 1960, exactly 52 years ago, Nigeria became
an independent nation-state after nearly a century of indirect and direct
British Colonial rule. We recall with uncommon pride and nostalgia that
historic moment when, the union Jack was lowered for a sovereign Nigeria’s
Green white Green national flag.
We salute the resolve, doggedness and resilience of the
founding fathers in the invaluable nationalistic quest for self-rule and congratulate
the government and people of Nigeria for defending the unity of the country in
the past 52 years.
Indeed, for a nation of more than 155,215,573 people, by
2011 estimates, more than eight major ethnic groups and over 150 others and
about 200 different languages, diverse cultures, multiplicity of religions, divergent
hopes and fears, that Nigeria still remains one indivisible political,
socio-economic and geographical entity is worth celebrating.
As we celebrate, however, it becomes even more instructive
to venture a deliberate introspection of the past, if for nothing else, to
appraise how far and well the journey of nationhood to socio-economic
independence has been. Unfortunately, such self-evaluation, without doubt,
presents a mixed bag of wasted resources, failed leadership, poor fiscal
planning, infrastructural decay, increasing insecurity, political intolerance,
ethno-religious extremism and indeed abject poverty.
From a vibrant agro-based economy in pre-independence
Nigeria, the country is today a molothic economy, dependent primarily on oil,
which earnings do not reflect the infrastructural decay, lack of employment,
fall in educational standards, poor public health institutions, death-traps
called Federal roads and indeed successive maladministration.
Since, according to the legendary English Philosopher John
Stuart Mill (1806-73) “the worth of a state, in the long run, is the worth of
the individuals composing it,” it becomes even more imperative to measure our
52 years of nationhood by the quality of life of the ordinary Nigerian to whom
nationhood ought to mean more than mere political independence. In this regard,
that more than 70 per cent of the population still live below the poverty line
cannot excite celebration of any kind.
However, poverty cannot also be a justification for the orgy
of terror-based insurgency in parts of the North, neither should it be excuse
for the rise in criminal activities across the nation, all of which tend to
raise question about the people’s readiness to defend the nation’s unity.
Unfortunately, the scenario is being exploited by selfish
politicians to preach division instead of unity, fear instead of hope and
insurgency rather than tolerance. These, inadvertently tend to give credence to
the prediction that Nigeria could breakup by 2015, using the next electoral
process as a necessary platform to affirm the dooms day.
The Tide believes in the indivisibility, unity and mutual
co-existence of the various peoples of Nigeria, just as we believe in the
possibility of the transformation of the country, in spite of the enormous
challenges we face as a nation. We note that what Nigeria is today suffering is
accumulated dividends of bad governance, unbridled corruption, planlessness on
the part of successive administrations, and deliberate disobedience of the
constitution and other laws of the land, all of which cannot be wished away
over night.
What is required therefore, is for the leadership to remain
focused, dedicated and patriotic in attempts to address, in a lasting manner,
the myriad of national problems that directly touch the ordinary Nigerian. The
citizenry on their part must develop a positive integer in their expectations
of government and not be fooled by the growing blackmail that any single
administration can, with a magic wand, wave away all their worries.
This is why The Tide thinks that attempt by sections of the
country to encumber the President Jonathan administration with the political
pressure to right all wrongs at a single go, smarks of avoidable incitement of
the citizenry against the administration. The right way forward, is not to
politicize every national concern for the sole purpose of scoring cheap
political points.
We commend the wisdom and rare display of maturity thusfar
demonstrated by President Jonathan in extricating himself from the debate over
his political future in 2015 and his commitment to putting the nation together
in spite of the unprecedented political, security and religious challenges.
The Tide is pleased with the modest success being made in
national governance especially in summoning the necessary political will to
probe the oil subsidy regime, approval of national minimum wage for the civil
servant, improved remuneration for university teachers, special pay for doctors
and health sector workers, a conducive political atmosphere for free speech,
implementation of the 35 per cent affirmative action for women integration, and
reforms in the power sector resulting in the improvement in electricity
generation into the national grid from 2,200 MW in 2010 to 4,400mw this year,
and which accounts for the relatively stable electricity supply.
It is however sad that Nigeria’s power sector still cannot
benefit sufficiently, from the massive interventionist efforts being made by
variousstates of the federation in the area of power generation on account of
constitutional inhibitions, grounded on the unitary approach to addressing
national development.
To put Nigeria on the path of unimpeded development
therefore, the National Assembly and indeed all well-meaning Nigerians must
work towards a comprehensive review of the nation’s constitution. And quickly
too.
Such reviews would be meaningless if the various sections of
the country fail to appreciate the propriety of peaceful co-existence and agree
to respect and understand that our ephemeral differences are nothing compared
to the lot that unites us as a people and resolve to live in peace and unity in
spite of our diversity. The near frequent appeal to sectionalism, tribalism,
religion, ethnicism and class often actuated by selfish political passion and consideration can only seek to
divide us, not unite us!
This is where the National Assembly must rise up to the
challenge of not only making proactive laws, but also investing meaningfully in
regular sensitisation and education of their constituents on the merits of
Nigerian unity. To achieve that, the legislature must partner with the
executive and indeed judiciary to prevent the near frequent heating-up of the
polity by being statesmanly in exercise of their oversight functions on other
arms of government.
Rather than become a ready tool to the political opposition
to whom their seems to be no single common ground for national cohesion, the
National Assembly would do well to consider itself as an ample part of
governance at the highest level, and face, with a sense of patriotism and
statesmanship the business of making vital laws needed to guarantee the growth
and speedy development of the country.
One such is the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which
protracted delay can no longer be supported, just as the avoidable bickerings
over comprehensive review of the constitution, not just a distraction but a
costly mistake that does none any good.
As we celebrate this year’s independence anniversary,
therefore, government, the legislature, the judiciary, states and local
governments and indeed all well-meaning stakeholders of the Nigerian project,
must resolve to work in synergy towards sourcing solutions to the nation’s
challenges and not blame it all on the serving president and his team.
The Tide believes that every people deserves the leadership
they get and must work together for common good and a better future. Most
importantly, we most understand that nearly all developed nations of today,
confronted similar, if not more difficult challenges before attaining the now
enviable noble heights. With love for country, hardwork and prayers, The Tide
sees a brighter and greater Nigeria that all will be proud of. This should be
our target not despair.
The University of Port Harcourt’s Golden Jubilee celebration, which commenced on 21st July, was concluded yes
terday. With the theme “Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence,” the week-long event offered a reflective look at the institution’s extraordinary transformation—from its humble beginnings in 1975 as a budding academic centre to its present status as a symbol of scholarly excellence in Nigeria and beyond. Founded by the Federal Government as University College, Port Harcourt, it attained full university status in 1977, true to its guiding motto, “For Enlightenment and Self-Reliance.”
This institution has been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s educational landscape. Its leadership journey began with the pioneering efforts of its first Vice-Chancellor, Professor Donald Ekong, who served from 1977 to 1982. During his tenure, he established the academic foundation and values that have continued to guide the university. Successive administrations have built upon this legacy, with the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Owunari Georgewill, carrying the torch of visionary leadership.
Over the past five decades, the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has blossomed into a veritable melting pot of disciplines, celebrated for its impressive research output and unwavering contributions to national development. What began in 1977 with a modest six schools evolved into a full-fledged faculty system by 1982, a strategic shift designed to accommodate its expanding academic programmes and swelling student population. This transformation is a testament to the university’s ability to move with the times and keep its finger on the pulse of higher education.
UNIPORT was established during a period when the nation’s leaders recognised the pressing need to widen access to tertiary education. Its founding vision was not simply to churn out graduates, but to cultivate thinkers, innovators, and nation-builders. Through thick and thin, the institution has remained steadfast to this noble mission, undeterred by the challenges that have inevitably come its way.
The university’s commitment to fostering goodwill with its host communities, such as Choba and Aluu, speaks volumes. Recent visits by the Governing Council, under the leadership of Senator Mao Ohuabunwo, highlight a hands-on approach to building bridges and strengthening these crucial relationships. After all, maintaining a strong social licence to operate is no walk in the park and requires constant effort and engagement.
UNIPORT’s pursuit of academic excellence has not gone unnoticed on the international stage. In 2015, the university pulled off a remarkable coup when “Times Higher Education” ranked it sixth in Africa and first in Nigeria – a feather in its cap and a clear endorsement of its commitment to quality education, ground-breaking research, and innovation. This accolade has firmly cemented its standing among the continent’s foremost academic powerhouses.
Its research achievements have been nothing short of transformative, particularly in fields such as health, petroleum exploration, and environmental sciences. The trailblazing innovations of the Central Instrument Laboratory, showcased during World Laboratory Day 2025, underline its critical role in pushing scientific boundaries. Today, its reputation as Nigeria’s top research institution stands as incontrovertible proof of its intellectual mettle.
Since July 2021, the university has been under the astute leadership of Professor Georgewill, whose tenure has been marked by far-reaching initiatives aimed at raising the bar in academics, research, and community service. His administration has been keen to leave no stone unturned in enhancing the university’s global profile.
With 14 faculties and more than 60,000 students, UNIPORT has produced an army of distinguished graduates – from Masters and PhD holders excelling worldwide to public figures of national prominence. Among its illustrious alumni are former President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Rivers State governors Chibuike Amaechi and Nyesom Wike, as well as Abia State Governor Alex Otti. The Theatre Arts Department has also given Nigeria some of its brightest Nollywood stars, including Rita Dominic, Sam Dede, and Hilda Dokubo, who have all added rich hues to the country’s cultural tapestry.
The university’s legacy is further enriched by the scholarship of eminent academics such as Professor Ebiegberi J. Alagoa, renowned historian and former vice-chancellor, Professor Kelsey Harrison, the acclaimed gynaecologist and former vice-chancellor, and the late intellectual giants, Professors Ola Rotimi, Kay Williamson, Nimi Briggs, and Claude Ake. Their enduring contributions have ensured UNIPORT remains a cradle of intellectual brilliance.
Yet, it would be remiss to ignore the hurdles ahead. Infrastructure development, though ongoing, often feels like watching paint dry. The Senate Building’s relocation from Delta Park to University Park marks some progress, but facilities such as the crumbling University Crab and the overstretched teaching hospital are crying out for attention. A shortage of lecture halls, classrooms, and hostels continues to hamper the learning experience. The golden jubilee is, therefore, a golden opportunity to tackle these gaps head-on and set UNIPORT on a path to global prominence.
As this Ivory Tower celebrates its 50th anniversary, it must also take stock and look to the future with a bold vision. To climb the global university rankings, it needs to invest strategically in world-class research, digital education, and international collaborations with top-tier institutions.
We call upon the Federal and Rivers State Governments, corporate organisations, and public-spirited individuals to rally behind UNIPORT’s renewal. A university that has shaped leaders of national and global stature should not be left to make bricks without straw; it deserves robust financial and infrastructural backing.
On this historic milestone, we heartily congratulate the University of Port Harcourt for half a century of service to Nigeria and humanity. The next fifty years should be marked by audacious ambitions, cutting-edge innovation, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Here is to a golden past and an even brighter future, the best, as they say, is yet to come!
The recent massacre in Yelewata, Benue State, ranks among Nigeria’s deadliest attacks of
2025. While official figures put the death toll at 59, media reports and Amnesty International estimate between 100 and 200 fatalities. This atrocity extends a decade-long pattern of violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where Beacon Security data records 1,043 deaths in Benue alone between May 2023 and May 2025.
President Tinubu’s visit on 18 June—four days after the 14 June attack—has drawn sharp criticism for its lateness. This delay echoes a history of inadequate responses, with Human Rights Watch documenting similar inaction in Plateau and Kaduna states since 2013, fuelling a culture of impunity. The attack lasted over two hours without meaningful security intervention, despite claims of swift action.
The violence bore hallmarks of genocide, with survivors recounting systematic house burnings and executions. More than 2.2 million people have been displaced in the region since 2019 due to comparable attacks. Data show Benue’s agricultural output falls by 0.21 per cent in crops and 0.31 per cent in livestock for every 1 per cent rise in violence.
Security forces continue to underperform. No arrests were made following the Easter attacks in April (56 killed) or May’s Gwer West massacre (42 killed). During his visit, Tinubu questioned publicly why no suspects had been detained four days after Yelewata, highlighting entrenched accountability failures.
The roots of the conflict are complex, with climate change pushing northern herders south and 77 per cent of Benue’s population reliant on agriculture. A Tiv community leader described the violence as “calculated land-grabbing” rather than mere clashes, with over 500 deaths recorded since 2019.
Government interventions have largely fallen short. The 2018 federal task force and 2025 Forest Guards initiative failed to curb violence. Tinubu’s newly announced committee of ex-governors and traditional rulers has been met with scepticism given the litany of past unkept promises.
The economic fallout is severe. Benue’s status as Nigeria’s “food basket” is crumbling as farms are destroyed and farmers displaced. This worsens the nation’s food crisis, with hunger surges in 2023-2024 directly linked to farming disruptions caused by insecurity.
Citizens demanding justice have been met with force; protesters faced police tear gas, and the State Assembly conceded total failure in safeguarding lives, admitting that the governor, deputy, and 32 lawmakers had all neglected their constitutional responsibilities.
The massacre has drawn international condemnation. Pope Leo XIV decried the “terrible massacre,” while the UN called for an investigation. The hashtag “200 Nigerians” trended worldwide on X, with many contrasting Nigeria’s slow response to India’s swift action following a plane crash with similar fatalities.
Nigeria’s centralised security system is clearly overwhelmed. A single police force is tasked with covering 36 states and 774 local government areas for a population exceeding 200 million. Between 2021 and 2023 alone, 29,828 killings and 15,404 kidnappings were recorded nationally. Proposals for state police, floated since January 2025, remain stalled.
Other populous nations offer alternative models. Canada’s provincial police, India’s state forces, and Indonesia’s municipal units demonstrate the effectiveness of decentralised policing. Nigeria’s centralised structure creates intelligence and response gaps, worsened by the distance—both physical and bureaucratic—from Abuja to affected communities.
The immediate aftermath is dire: 21 IDP camps in Benue are overwhelmed, and a humanitarian crisis is deepening. The State Assembly declared three days of mourning (18-20 June), but survivors lack sufficient medical aid. Tragically, many of those killed were already displaced by earlier violence.
A lasting solution requires a multi-pronged approach, including targeted security deployment, regulated grazing land, and full enforcement of Benue’s 2017 Anti-Open Grazing Law. The National Economic Council’s failure to prioritise state police in May 2025 represents a missed chance for reform.
Without decisive intervention, trends suggest conditions will worsen. More than 20,000 Nigerians have been killed and 13,000 kidnapped nationwide in 2025 alone. As Governor Hyacinth Alia stressed during Tinubu’s visit, state police may be the only viable path forward. All 36 states have submitted proposals supporting decentralisation—a crucial step towards breaking Nigeria’s vicious cycle of violence.
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