Malditah Musings

Navigate BY THE NATION'S shame now open'S fame: social studies AS Pilot, A Love Song to my wife at the New Nigeria, Sat 17th SE

Navigate BY THE NATION'S shame now open'S fame:

Social studies AS Pilot

17th in the series of lectures acceptance of Delta State University, ABRAKA, NIGERIA.

Delivered by

Professor Charles Osakwe

B.Sc. (Trim), M.Ed. (Philadelphia), MA (London) Ph.D (Ibadan)

Professor of Social Studies and Dean, School postgraduate,

Delta State University, Abraka.

On Thursday, February 26, 2009

Copyright © 2009 Delta State University, Abraka

All Rights Reserved

No part of book may be reproduced, stored in any system access or by any means, photocopying, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise without prior consent of the owner of copyright.

ISBN 978-33872 – 7-4

Published in February, 2009 By

Delta State University, ABRAKA,

Delta STATE, NIGERIA.

According to the printed

Justice Jeco Press and Publishers Ltd.,

Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

Foreword / preface

Made it the teacher is Professor + … Popular +, Nigeria Will Be

(A Love Song to my wife at the New Nigeria)

And he said "marry me, May!"

'I do no such things as: not married' teacher 'said May

Dreg of Professions: The teacher – disqualified

Nevertheless, most say, long voice from the classroom! – Qualified

This teacher Now that process, is professor, prophets and priests.

Palm oil, broom and sponge, why soup – process palm

By fire, by water, the sharp leaves, agents of decay – the process

As kero, diesel, gasoline, milk, jelly, this balm – process crude

Charles Osakwe, the process of teacher, a voice heard over

Beyond the podium in the country.

Processed by disease, deprivation, rejection, then derided,

Today's lecturer mounts the podium, you see him come:

My wife, my principal, Mon pere

Processed by fire, by water, denied her due

The principal of the teachers of teachers

Is a teacher, teaching of teachers of teachers of teachers.

Promotion to peak declined for ten years!

My co-parent, patient by year!

Like diamond; process from carbon, my prince patient and peace maker

The principal of trees with knowledge:

Intellectual and divine, has a message:

Nigeria is processing by shame —

Shame of corruption, a grave-like Greece!

Shame of maladministration and misrule

Disturbances, obedient height suffering from huge wealth

Embarrassment of monumental waste sources

Shame of evil and godlessness religion

Processing through shame of our desired fame:

Our famous people, yes our people;

Land of my birth, the land of my pain, my land of shame

Land of your birth, the land of Your pain, your land of shame

I hope too long after independence, such as fragile eaglet

For this fragile eaglet, prepared to fall, not fly,

Will be great eagle flying

Famous bird; not fly but to soar —

My land birth, the land of your birth, the land of our birth

Land of my dignity, honor your land, the land of our dignity —

Nigeria is the your name!

Mabel Ejime Osakwe (2009)

Chair, English Language

Delta State University, Abraka

COURTESIES

The Vice-Chancellor,

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin.)

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

The Provosts, asaba and by campus,

The Acting Registrar,

The treasurer,

The University Librarian,

The trees, College of Health Sciences,

Dean, Faculty of Education,

Other Deans of understanding,

Professors and other members of the Senate,

Heads Department and other academic colleagues,

Members of the Administrative and Technical Staff,

My Lords Spiritual and temporal,

Members of my family, Nuclear and Extended,

My in-laws,

Invited illustrious Guests,

Man of the Press,

Great DELSUITES,

Women and Men,

Preface

I feel highly honored and priviledged who are called to deliver lecture on 17th acceptance of Delta State University, Abraka. Grateful to God for giving us journey mercies to this meeting and I think he is all of us home safely in the Name of Jesus – Amen.

That purchase and read the papers today? Some mind bugging and gory stories? What is the latest in militancy and crime in the Niger Delta? How painful! You can try to make your mind off the issue with depressive and feed your mind with Obama big dream come true and so is ours. Yes, welcome to this forum! To this God given opportunity for us to show and discuss social issues similar to those previously raised in this opening tip. Sorry to tell you though I hold floor to discussion that is why it is called an interview. But release your mind to travel with, such as Social Studies pilots our navigation, by shame now open fame.

INTRODUCTION

The first thing for attention is the nature and purpose of Social Studies and how it serves as a vehicle for responding to issues of our time. Succinctly put, Social Studies is about learning live and participate in the world, in a particular time and place; so we the formula:

SSE = PSpt

P = people

S = Society

P = area

t = time

Lecture on this being an indepth discourse on aspects of an academic of my expertise, and my contribution in social studies as a field of knowledge, is guided by SSE formula and told the nature of Social Studies.

Here then, P means the Nigerian people; S means the Nigerian Society; p means the geographical entity called Nigeria and t mean Nigeria yesterday today and tomorrow. The interview that, Nigeria yesterday indicating pre-colonial Nigeria during the 2nd Republic before, while Nigeria now covers the period 2nd Republic to date.

We recognize that audience is not only interdisciplinary "Child" but also a different "country". Attempts will be made then use it within the specified distance the perimeter.

Social Studies touches every facet of human life: the man himself as a product of nature and human society as a product of upbringing; maidudulot social, political, economic and physical environment. Social studies has for so long identified as a real tool or avenue for reshapening in society. (Lawton and Durfour 1973, Osakwe 1993) The nature, content and scope of social studies, makes it manly an instrument for the development of a new society – political order. Lecturer is professed majorly in this area of social studies and 20 publications related to the current discourse. Four as they are listed here:

Osakwe, eo (1992) "Social studies and the military in Nigerian politics" Nigerian Journal of Social Studies Review Vol. 2, No 2, pp. 89-91

Osakwe, eo (1993a) Citizenship Education: The Hub Social Studies Nigerian Journal of Social Studies Review. Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 23-38.

Osakwe, eo (1994a) Citizenship Education in a Multi-ethnic Society: Some pedagogical perspective. Studies in Education Vol. 2. No 1. April. Pp 60-64.

Osakwe, eo (1994b) Instructional Strategies for Teaching Social Studies: Using Exemplars and Non-Exemplars Nigerian Journal of social Studies Vol. III, No. 1 & 2 pp. 49-55.

In Nigeria, Social Studies found the practical expression of the school system after the 1969 National Curriculum Conference. The topic focuses on individual buildings and thereby building the country (Osakwe 1993). The potential of Social Studies has yet to be fully exploited in our search for a desirable socio-political and economic order.

Social Studies is concerned with human relationships. The world is constantly undergoing changes and Social Studies remains true instrument for testing the changes, if they are positive or negative. Social Studies revolves around people (men) and all that impinges upon them.

The areas of emphasis in Social Studies

The knowledge included in the Social Studies is related to important generalizations about the relationship of people, institutions and problems, with supporting facts to ensure that these generalizations are clearly understood (Osakwe and Itedjere 1993). Social Studies examines issues and problems from a holistic viewpoint – so, to solve a problem or an issue, social studies examines the history, culture, sociological, economic, physical and other related dimensions. Unlike the vertical concentration is noticeable in most school subjects, social studies adopt a horizontal spiral approach to assessing these problems. Social Studies, has a strong affinity for Social Sciences, but not be seen as an Amalgam of social sciences.

Learning Social Studies is an avenue to providing young people with a sense of hope for the future and confidence in their ability to solve social and environmental problems individuals, their community, state or country.

On the occasion, lecture will address an aspect of my discipline of academic and public interest – navigate the Nation, by Today's shame on the Open's fame: Social Studies as a Pilot.

Addressing the issues of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow automatically provides three components of discourse: Nigeria Today Nigeria Today Nigeria and Tomorrow.

NIGERIA – yesterday

It is simplistic to address the problems of the nation building in Nigeria today without paying attention because our past and past global it affected our past and present.

Mr Vice-Chancellor, Sir, the educational system which we inherited from our colonial masters, although criticized for alienating us from our culture, made disciplined individuals and the people we regard as the pillars of our democracy and national development. Our education system of yesteryears is well structured, organized and predictable. This is the time when education is fully the responsibility of Government Mission or agencies. educational institutions are adequately staffed, and have supervision is effective. The academic calendar was established barely any disruption. A player the system was able to guess when he finished him. Non completion of a candidate in due time is never the fault of the school or institution but the inability student to work hard enough to graduate as planned by the establishment educational. The period under discussion is marked by students in primary and secondary Schools putting that uniform consistent indeed. No provision for students doing their own seat / table or for boarders, who provide their own bed. Laboratories sa secondary and tertiary institutions is comparable to what is available in other parts of the world.

Sound moral education is an important part of education in pre 1970 in the late 80s Nigeria. Relationship between pupils and teachers, students and teachers and students and lecturers at different levels of education is a very large extent professional. examination malpractice incidents are very rare and anyone caught compromising the integrity test is immediately dealt with. incidents of students negotiating grades with their lecturers or lecturers / teachers asking for "incentive" is almost nothing. During the period under review, academic standards in Nigeria's first generation universities are exemplary and comparable to what is available in more advanced countries in Europe and America. The period witnessed a tremendous staff a change from universities abroad. Our universities are very international orientation and reputation, staff and students coming from different of the world. distance from the international perspective of our universities and academics, university lecturers are fully respected and are on top of social rating. Okecha (2008) rightly notice the mention of the title "Professor" attracted much attention. The office of the Vice-Chancellor is very reverred. The Vice-Chancellor is more respected than any government appointee.

Most Nigerians went through tertiary education became a form of financial support or other source government. Education is a worthwhile venture and is considered the key that unlocked the door to success and fame.

Indolence, robbery, prostitution, pretentious life, greed, oppression, social and spatial inequality is considered extremely shameful in Nigeria ng yesteryears. It is common practice, for example, for vendors to leave Dailies sa Porter's Lodge as students are trusted to drop the money and select papers. Also, the proceeds of eccentric Day was used for charity as expected. Social services are frowned on and there is much greater sense of accountability between citizens including holders of public office. Workers reported to their duty posts the expected time and stayed at work until closing. Schools and other institutional doors were closed to 8 and it remained until closing. Truancy is an aberration and something seriously frowned on. Have the freedom of political organization, although political cleavages will include three main groups ethnic except the Middle Belt that is its own political identity. It is possible for close relatives belong to different political parties and yet still live in harmony. Examples of Ikokus can attest to this fact – that a father and son belonged to two against the party.

People common political animal. The ability to organize people in groups by any political motive is a basic natural instinct in humans. Nigerians are highly articulate human beings are political. There is the practice of traditional communities and politics which is always with us. There was a merger between the traditional and modern social life and parties in politics. Because culture is not static, traditional practices also adjusted to accommodate new challenges and developments including cross-cultural contacts his guard implications. The social life of people and their political culture, to a large extent affects some other aspect of life. Nigeria is a political Amalgam. It is indicative only of the culture of the country. To a large extent the North is more articulate and politically agree. This probably accounts for the training which our Northern brothers are always with their Radio and listen to local and international news, so always know. Social life and party politics is not a function of Western learning. Some southerners even their level of education, is still politically naive and can not read or understand the political horizon. Nigeria's economy during this period is very stable and hinged sa agriculture. This is the time of groundnut Pyramids. Nigeria is the world's largest producer of groundnuts, rubber, palm oil and kernels, soy beans, beniseed and also a large producer of cotton, 2nd world producer of chocolate. It is within this period that came to Malaysia Nigeria to get our oil and rubber seedlings, to try their country. We know where both countries stand today in the production of palm oil and rubber.

Solid minerals such as coal, tin and columbite are mined on the number of economic and Nigeria is known to be a major world player in the production of minerals. The buoyancy of the economy is further boosted with the discovery of black gold (oil) in Nigeria. gradually, which started to shift from agriculture to gas … … …. The mainstay of Nigerian economy. The Nigerian currency is strong and highly sought after this time.

Exchange Rate Between the 70s and 80s

Nigeria British American German

N1 pd Stg DM to U.S. $ 3.64

1. £ 0,615 $ 1.51

The number above presents a clear picture of the strength of naira during it.

Nigeria is well served by road, rail, sea air transportation. Nowadays has more than 95,000 km of tarred roads and 3,200 km over a meter gauge train. Nigeria had only two international airport in Lagos and Kano. Same the northern and southern parts of the country attracted significant investment in infrastructural development, especially in rail and feeder roads, as well as some measure of social services such as electricity, water, hospitals, schools and colleges. period was marked by the staff of the Public Works Department (PWD) cleaning grasses sides of the street to ensure that long distance and clear vision for drivers and other road users. Roads are regularly maintained – though then, roads are narrow and sometimes windy, They are motorable throughout the year.

Nigeria Airways is the pride of West Africa. It towered above and other airlines in sub-region. Nigerian pilots are known for their kindness, excellence and trust. Their take-off and landing pages are striking and jerks and hiccups. Nigerian Airways flew constantly to Europe, Asia, USA and some African routes without blemish. The DC 10s, Boeing 737, 707 and 747 are consistent with international routes, while smaller aircraft has served on the local (internal) routes. Closer to home here, the waterway from Sapele sa Obiaruku by Ethiope River was navigable and building materials are transported by the channel.

Security of life and property is a very large extent guaranteed at this time. It is possible that travel all night without fear of thieves. Night travel is preferred by a number of Nigerians. incidents of armed robbery is rare and it is easy to track criminals. It is not fashionable to engage in crime because there was a general societal rejection or disgust for any individual who was known to be a criminal or social deviant.

NIGERIA now

Today, Nigeria has traded his dignifying value of diligence, patriotism, high ethical standards, its abundant natural resources of yesteryears disgraceful behavior for defined colloquially as the "Nigerian factor": the goals of injustice, upturned values, graft and native huge mess. Today Nigeria is fatally ill from a deliberately self-inflicted injury. Most of what is happening in Nigeria now amount to national shame, our pain and shame. Shame is most manifest in our "New politics" which is marked by violence leading to loss of life and property, large and heavy rigging and assassinations. Are not eligible beneficiary will quickly make the effort and fantastic and confusing the masses to support the outcome their political Exploits. Almost immediately endorsement was rushed in from all over the country, especially from some Christian and Muslim clerics and other self-seeking leaders pontificate errors government and leadership is chosen and destined by God and we must accept things the way they are to save our the nascent democracy. But peace without justice can not stand the test of time and is an invitation to anarchy.

Not as if what obtains in Western democracies and other stable polities where election results are declared less than 24 hours by the end of voting, in Nigeria, may take three days. In certain situations such as coming elections to local government even smaller geographical entity governments, it still takes days to the results are officially released. Is drag always leaves room for manipulation and a panel-beating numbers. Despite all this, ridiculous numbers are drawn as results. In some instances, there are more votes than the number of registered voters. Maramihang voting is not wonderful. The court judgment of Edo State announced that myth only the voters vote and some others to vote several times shall include voters from across the Atlantic.

The bedrock for any stable and democratic performance state is the electoral process. It should be considered the key issues in a country like ours. The electoral process represents a political choice by the people. Next to the gossips market and hallway discussions, voting is an activity that shows the extent of people participation in politics. When free and secret vote takes place, the direction Quantum of participation and individual courage to appear in their true form.

In a survey conducted by this lecturer in 1998, level of apathy expressed by young people was tremendous.

Possible percentage participation in National Elections

S / NO

CATEGORY

NO OF STUDENTS responding to the EACH CATEGORY

TOTAL NO OF STUDENT

Percentage of TOTAL

1.

Not important or unsettled

162

250

65%

2.

Yes or Interested

63

250

25%

3.

No or not interested

25

250

10%

The above is almost a decade before the 2007 election fraud monumentally, but the figure shows a high degree of alienation or failure in politics and the electoral system of youth. In most cases, the alienation or apathy that leads to high -level political disinterest. effective participation of citizens depends on a knowledge of how the system actually operates.

Our citizens are not been systematically exposed to the methods of running our political system. A good number of our youths who were left to wander aimlessly sa Nigerian political arena. This has led to either false information or the stifling of political instincts sa youths in national affairs.

Our electoral process and the attendant protests the results are unique to the annals of election in any part of the world. Many Nigerians now of the opinion that an individual's vote does not count – that the results are predetermined already. this leads to severe apathy and despondency on the part of a large segment of the electorate (see Osakwe 1998, Ogini 2008). The June 12, 1993 election, adjudged free romance is pinawalang in effect on ignomity the failure of Nigerians. Since then, the situation has worsened. May understandably now much cynicism to the elections and electoral process by some Nigerians.

Another dimension of revenue is the political discourse in Nigeria is not seen as an avenue for services, but be an avenue for the rapid surge in wealth, and public recognition. This has led to the emergence of political upstarts have in mind the warped politics of hope to the electorate. Their life style is marked by the Florida lifestyle, luxury cars, including bullet-proof vehicle, escorts sa sirens and intimidation of all perceived opponents and those who refuse to accept their new found position and affluence they see difficult to manage. What we now witness a replay of Biblical Haman-Mordecai legend. Haman, a political upstart paid a large sum of money to ensure the full Sam race is wiped out simply because Mordecai the Jew does not agree with him down.

It is a sign of political immaturity try to use political opportunism to settle score. It shows the shame and reflection of the struggle against a complex. Politics should be a very exciting part of our national life, but is now an issue of life and death, sometimes sending shivers down the back of people. That is why, repairs or conducting elections in Nigeria will fight and some life out of the elections in Nigeria.

Political Assassinations

Between 1999 and 2009, 39 cases of politically – motivated murders were reported in the country. The timing of assassinations shows that it is more often prevalent in the year preceding the election and the election proper year. For example, there were 17 assassination of cases between 2002 and 2003; 9 cases were recorded between the 2005 and 2007 (another pre-election and election period).

Political assassinations – 1999-2009 (- a graphic representation)

In more recent elections in Nigeria, firearms is free to use. Sa Jos crisis in November / December 2008, more than 500 lives were lost in the fight that trailed election. Many hospitals are victims of bullet wounds. How it compared to what obtains in other parts of the world, where the election results are respected and the electoral process was conducted in a proper way?

A common feature of political terrain in Nigeria is the issue of recycling of individuals and families – Giving the impression that some eternal order that individuals and families should always be there. How do we explain a situation where some political actors of the late Sage contemporaries, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, was still hovering sa around the corridors of power. Some individuals who have remained in political flirtation all through 29 years of military rule in democratic-time in Nigeria. What a shame that almost two years after the 2007 elections, there is still some yet-to-be-solved cases of court.

It is a fact that since the contentious elections, Nigerians of different endeavors, are united in seeking reform process water the tree of an obvious, free and fair elections to remove the rancor that greeted the results in April, 2007 polls and literally created anger and anarchy.

For how long Nigerians live this level of rancor and uncertainty? When transparent elections are conducted to the end the loser even quickly admitted the defeat and congratulate the winner? United U.S. elections of November 4, 2008, Republican presidential candidate, John McCain conceded good success with Democratic presidential candidate, Barack Obama in less than 24 hours after the polls. The winner and loser in American elections is no need to wait for the Chief Electoral to announce the results of the most popular election results around the world. They relied on the results as announced live by Cable News Network (CNN).

It is taught in state here that national television Nigeria, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) had live coverage of the American elections. Why it is not possible to cover our elections live. Some international observers were refused entry and their reports discountenanced with our electoral authorities, yet Nigerians went to Ghana to monitor the election! Our electoral system is not transparent and acceptable. It is yet to be made nationally and internationally.

Corruption

Corruption is used here to obtain a condition or state of lying, impropriety, illegality, violation of law or inequity committed to getting power, money or position for in private and sectional overhead.

Corruption has become native to Nigeria and a corrupt culture system has developed a bad society. A society and the people is natural to make this kind, unless there is a violent culture surgery or re-orientation as a result of time: Find the formula of Social Studies. The Nigerian society provides a very fertile ground for deceptive practices, thereby leading to the institutionalization of corruption. Bad society by Lewis (2008) produces bad leaders and followers; bad leader a copy or establish institutions and corrupt institutions that make bad multiple defects of the system. This may explain why there is hardly any institution or system corruption-free Nigeria. Religious Establishments are not included in it. corruption is indeed the worst enemy Nigeria's preventing people from enjoying the great natural resources. corruption is harmful to economic growth. It increases the income inequality and poverty by reducing economic growth. It also promotes and sustains unequal distribution of property ownership and an equal access to education (Olajide, 2008).

Even the establishment of anti-corruption agencies such as Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent evil Practices and other related violations Commission (ICPC) bad behavior continues to present some ingeniously popular method and system to Nigeria. Monster is called corruption continues to be the bane of the drive the country towards the ability of Millennium Development goals. Recently, in an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Drugs and Narcotics and Financial Crimes, the Chief Executive of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleged that some Nigerians have cashed in on falling global prices and is criss-crossing the world day and night to take property money looted from the country. Perpetrators of this crime knows how to beat all the mechanisms put in place to find out their nefarious activities. Our image is seriously dented by the work of evil Nigerians. corruption in the Nigerians also manifests internet fraud and the notorious Advance Free Fraud (aka 419). The number of unsuspecting Nigerians and foreigners are victims of both Internet and Advance fee fraud. The number of young people today live big and fat from the proceeds of corruption and fraud.

Nigeria's image was severely dented in the world as a result of deceptive practices of some of our citizens. Many Nigerians sa jails are languishing in a number of countries – Some not so lucky, was executed by the authorities of the countries where they committed the atrocities. The war against corruption seem to have had a focus during Obasanjo's regime. Yar Ardua's Administration promised that there will be no sacred cows in his against the administration of corruption-fight. However, his anti-corruption war has come under serious doubt and cynicism following the redeployment of the former Chairman of the anti-graft agency and its various travails thereafter that culminated in his expulsion. This is a very sad commentary and sends a very – wrong message to Nigerians and the international community.

The anti-corruption crusade tempo is gradually grinding to a halt and some are getting Watchers really worried, because the suffering of the masses, think they are caused by some individuals who have diverted money mean for the sake of the masses for their personal gain. One obvious reason why corruption continues to spread the length and breadth of Nigeria may be that the three arms of government pay lip service to his consuming.

The damage done corruption is the order of the government and the majority of our people is immeasurable and no certainty. The illness pervades all strata of society, including public institutions. According to this Opinion Day of November 5, 2008, not working properly in Nigeria for corruption. Many roads are in a sad state, even when attempts are made to rehabilitating the way, corruption is not allowed for a full and stable work.

Education and corruption

Sexual harassment has become so pervasive Nigerian tertiary education. This is a high income status. The issue of sexual harassment in higher institutions has attracted the attention of a number of academics – (Osakwe 2008, Igborgbor 2008, Okecha, 2008). Sexual harassment is an expression of relations of power and time most girls and women are at the receiving end. Sexual harassment is not limited to any what level of age – academic some adults are known to engage in hateful game. Some academics lost their jobs arising from misdemeanor it. Some have continued to spot and exploit girls and make public boast of their sexual escapades. Some girls and women married are traumatized, all in a bid to get a university degree or diploma from other tertiary institutions. closely related to issues of sexual harassment is corruption in our educational system from primary to university level. pupils and students are free to pay for the levy in one or the other. Enrollment the referees report, clearance, form studies, the data card – all illegal interest charges. sometime ago in the history of Nigeria,

Teachers in all level of education obtained by a great deal of respect from members of the public. see as honest, disciplined and morally above board, It is then most fashionable to look for a teacher when a public position that called for a man of high integrity became vacant. They are the aura of Saints and always proved their admirers right when they had the chance to bring their experience and knowledge to bring to public affairs. However, this hallowed integrity academic class appears to have taken his leave as the country continues to smell corruption (Aghedo 2008).

Over the past few years, three professors paid the price for sexual exploitation of girls and had disgraced out of office. There are still awaiting more unfortunate. Academic corruption assume different sizes ranging from plagiarism, victimization, gagging of academic freedom, erosion Mentoring in the production of foot soldiers / "academic hostage taking "- By which the junior academy under a senior colleague has no option but bidding for their master's. Academic freedom that once characterized the university system is rapidly eroding and giving way dangerous campus politicians, cliques and other groups of interest – the interests of few other things besides academics.

Examination malpractice has also become a major problem besetting education in Nigeria. phenomenon will be fantastic and takes only too bold and ruthless measures to eradicate. Ang unfortunate situation is that few people expected to address this issue is a product review malpractice themselves.

1. Examination malpractice is not restricted sex, both women and men are firm in business.

Transport and corruption

Ang lack necessary airport facilities; the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) can not find site wreckages air. The latest defied location until several months after the hunters. The railway line remain Dysfunctional – some railway lines now being used of entrepreneurs to show their wares.

General attitude corruption

People do not express bitterness and shock every time they heard the billions of naira was stolen from the public finances, because now became daily events. For example, it is reported that in a month, a Governor in a state spent N1bn (One billion naira) in his state for the matter of security – a state where there is no war, nor the breakdown of law and order.

The status of corruption in Nigeria today is a product of inconsistency and corruption of war against corruption – Having again fought to a stop by General Murtala Mohammed between 1975 and 1976, a follow up like Buhari / Idiagbon and later by Nuhu Ribadu has brought large-large to its knees. But the time interval between Mohammed Buhari and General Babangida took that ruled between 1985 and 1993. Unlike ng Buhari regime that came hard on looters of public funds a few hands of whom are various prison terms, Babangida return the properties of different officials and restore the Ranks of the dismissed officers. Call it a reward of corruption! History can repeat itself again, if the travails of Nuhu Ribadu is allowed continue. Call it a penalty for fighting corruption? The war against corruption once it is sleeping.

Corruption and the Power Sector

Two thousand (2,000) megawatts of electricity was generated in 2008 as against 3,000 formed in 2003. These are ridiculous numbers. South Africa with population of 60 million, generates 45,000 megawatts and the government of South Africa seeks to increase its capacity to 60,000. How Nigeria still claim that the giant of Africa? our industry and small scale businesses provide their own electricity – how they break even in the face of exorbitant production costs really due to lack of public steady power supply. How industrial dreams of Nigeria is actualized in the light of current challenges energy. Despite the President the plan to declare a state of emergency in power sector, things never improved. Small business level, some artisans and self employed Nigerians are forced to close their businesses due to non-availability of power.

It / it was reported (Tell that December 8 a month (November, 2008) the worsening situation power forced the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to express the loss of capacity to 800 MW generation – Within the same time the Sapele Power Station is fully shut down, and the stations Egbin power in Lagos was operating "at reduced capacity. Exactly 10 days after, PHCN reported more loss of 200 MW. All are responsible for 12 hourly Zonal power rotational rationing system to maintain stability and ensure even distribution of limited generation output from the work of plants. Under the plan rotation, PHCN divided country zone. Each zone gets electricity for 12 hours; though it is no guarantee that light comes. There are areas / sections of the country where power outages are more than regular public power supply. Even the "promise" more 6500 MW by 2009 is a far cry from our expected needs electricity to Nigeria.

We have more knowledge (Tell December 2008) that each University spend over N120 million annually on diesel. What a huge waste of money would be ploughed in other critical areas of University administration. Not many universities in Nigeria can afford to spend even that staggering sum of money for electricity. This of course, does not include the regular charges of electricity from PHCN.

Corruption and iron and Steel Industry

The iron and steel industry is gulped billions of dollars, since the 1980s – yet nothing to show for it. The Federal Government set the Ajaokuta and Delta Steel plants, next to three inland Rolling Mills sa Oshogbo, Jos and Katsina. The steel Plants and Rolling Mills have not been able to meet the aspirations of Nigerians iron, mainly because of corruption and beaurcactic bottle-necks. What we now prefer museum instead of steel plants iron. How do we explain the astronomical cost of imported iron and steel products when we should be producers of products? In some plants, the components and spare parts are not being made in any part of the world. The parts of the computer completely obsolete thereby removing the engineers sa cannibalize existing elements to the point that not to rely on.

The Minister of State overseeing the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, recently pleaded with Nigerians be patient in pace of development, indicating that, "their is not a government to go slow. Unfortunately, Nigerians can not but believe that current and past administration has no clear policy on how to reengineer the iron and steel industry and position it for Nigeria's industrial monkeys. For how long Nigerians waiting for take-off of an effective iron and steel industry? Many Nigerians were sent to Europe, Russia and Japan to become accustomed for iron and steel industry. All the high caliber staff is laid off before the privatization policy of the last administration. Some steel plants are concessioned to political partners / coordination of government business day.

The iron and steel industry is the bedrock of any significant technological industries and development of any country. Nigeria can not afford to stay in the eternal imported products iron. this sector must contribute significantly to economic development of Nigeria. May not seem a clear road map that will take Nigeria to become a major participant in steel development in African continent. How the dream of making Nigeria is one of the best 20 of the world economy by 2020 come true? How it is achieved when the main steel mills were privatized in the wrong hands? The control the main source of steel (liquid and flat) is the control of industrial development of the country. The iron and steel industry then was a critical area of economic development should not be left in the hands of investors whether foreign or inbox.

Focused on the railway line linking Delta Steel Company, Aladja, Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and Nigerian Iron Mineral Mining Company Itakpe is yet complete – until this is done the total value of the company may never be executed. The project railway line, like many other government projects are more want abandoned project is currently suffering fast depreciation. The river Niger is yet to dredged and the Escravos estuary is still will be deleted. Liquid steel never be produced in Ajaokuta without all these things are put in place.

Extra Judicial murders

An issue that bothered many Nigerians and sent chills down the spines of the citizens have to make the extra judicial murders. The number of families are traumatized arising from the loss of their loved circumstances surrounding the extra judicial killing. Ang unfortunate aspect of development are evidences that are either completely obliterated or the victims are presented as criminals – the dead can not speak for himself or herself. Some Examples buttress the point here – Almost two decades ago, a Nigerian star athlete dele Udo was shot dead in a Police check point. It is also the group a number of the innocent Nigerians in various check point police in the country at one point or other. In 2002, some traders traveling along the Okene – Lokoja highway is intercepted by some policemen that they discovered a lot of money on them. Ang policemen tied the trader and bundled them into buses and set it fire, while doing away with their millions of naira. One of the businessman miraculously survived and escaped and reported the incident. The policemen's late Apprehended, tried and sentenced appropriately. A renowned journalist, Bayo Awosika died in neighboring events in extra judicial killing. It is alleged that he died after His car hit a police van and then somersaulted several times before landing in other parts of the road. Even the claim of sommersault, no formation car; the handbreak ng Bayo the car is still on and had a piece of wood fire under the car. Examining post mortem reveals that the young man died from an injury missile — that is, he was hit by a fast moving metal (bullet). police patrol team felled him, the young man was not the night to relax his friends when His life was cut short. The events that led to his untimely death is traceable to a rift between those who died and a policeman in a public parlor beer. In 2006, policemen killed a young man in the same country – Oturkpo, in a protest by residents in a facility PHCN for power outage.

December 2, 2008, the authorities of Lagos State University, is free to issue a statement in seats of his students. This is sequel to real in November 25, 2008 of 4 students of the University without the Local Government of identity. maidudulot fast reaction of the authorities of Lagos State University, the Governor State swung into action. The erring policemen were arrested and subsequently dismissed. One of the students shot later succumbed to his injuries despite the combined efforts of the Lagos State Government and Lagos State University to save his life. The question is for how long Nigerians endure this barbaric and futile slaughter of its citizens by people expected to protect them? The killing of a student in Athens, Greece early in December 2008 sparked off protests from students and teachers for several days running. The killing of a Brazilian in the United Kingdom during a terror attack led to the prosecution of police concerned. December 2008 a woman was killed in Ogun State – he took for an armed thief. The police made spirited efforts at explaining away the fact that women is an armed thief. The young man was shot dead by police in front of a bank in Benin City for engaging in a mess in front of the bank – the incident occurred in January 2009. The same month of January a young man was shot dead in Lagos by policemen under unexplained circumstances. Some commercial drivers are victims of either sa police shootings or other forms of cruelty for their refusal to part with their money illegal "before toll".

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

Following from the United Nations Millennium Declaration which was adopted at the top Millennium held in New York, September 6-8, 2000, Nigeria committed itself to realizing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. The target goals for making measurable improvements in life the poorest people in the world.

Purpose: eliminate Extreme poverty and hunger

Poverty still stares millions of Nigerians in the face. The level of hunger manifests clearly the funeral, marriage and other social events where free food and drink lavishly served by a select a few. In these gatherings, some uninvited guests scramble for food. worse still, the milling teenager anxious wait for properly served, to leave remnants for them to either eat or bear. Many of our youth today to be among the scavengers should be many.

By Bolatito (2008), poverty exists where people lack the means to satisfy their basic needs. These are defined in a restricted definition of needs necessary for survival, or wide needs to reflect the winning standard of living in the community. Poverty describes a situation where people resources (material, social and cultural) as so limited as to exclude such people from the minimum acceptable way of life. Poverty is multifaceted (Bolatito 2008); with poor access to public services and infrastructure, unsanitary environment, ignorance and illiteracy, poor health, insecurity, social exclusion and voicelessness, including low-income household food and lack of tranquility.

Between the period 1980 in 1996, the proportion of poor people rose from 28.1% to 1,980-65.6% in 1996. this, in terms of numbers translates sa 17.7 million poor people in 1980 and 67.1 million people in 1996. It is estimated that by 2015, between 30.1 million and 40.4 million people like that still lives in poverty in Nigeria.

According the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD 2005), Nigeria an annual per capita income in barely $ 300, is one of the 20 poorest countries in the world. It is estimated Nigeria to grow at about 3% and the national savings rate is about 15%. Among other daunting challenges of infrastructural decay and corruption, how to achieve Nigeria Millennium goal number one?

Because / beginning of independence, Nigeria has steadily fallen to a group of countries with low levels of human development, as characterized a (HDI) coefficient of less than 0.5 (on a scale of 0-1). With a rating of 0470, Nigeria occupies a long position 158, where countries such of Eritrea and Senegal fare better. This is a very big shame indeed. How it is said that Rwanda and Benin Republic are higher than the ladder Nigeria GDP per capita.

Table 1: Nigeria human development index 2005

HND value

Life expectancy to the birth (years)

Adult literacy rate

(% 154 years old and older)

Combined Primary, secondary and tertiary gross enrollment ratio (%)

GDP per capital (PPP USS)

1. Iceland (0968)

1. Japan (82.3)

1. Georgia (100.0)

1. Australia (113.0)

1. Luxembourg (60,228)

156. Senegal (0499)

163.Botswana (48.1)

102.Algeria (69.9)

136.Nepal (58.2)

158.Rwanda (1.206)

157.Eritrea (0483)

1653.Cote d'Ivoire (47.4)

103.Tanzania (United
Republic of) (69.4)

137.Equatorial Guinea (58.1)

159.Benin (1141)

158.Nigeria (0470)

165.Nigeria (46.5)

104.Nigeria (69.1)

138.Nigeria (56.2)

160. Nigeria (1.128)

159.Tanzania (United Republic of) (0467)

166.Malawi (46.3)

105. Guatemala (69.1)

139. Bangladesh (56.0)

161. Eritrea (1109)

160. Guinea (0456)

167.Guinea-Bissau (45.8)

106.Lao People's Democratic Republic (68.7)

140.Yemen (55.2)

162. Ethiopia (1.055)

177.Sierra Leone (0336)

177.Zambia (40.5)

139.Burkina Faso (23.6)

172.Niger (22.7)

174.Malawi (667)

Human Development Report 2007/2008 Country fact Sheets – Nigeria

Table 2: Selected indicators of human poverty for Nigeria

Human Poverty Index (HPI-1) 2004

Probability of not living past age 40 (5) 2004

Adult illiteracy rate (% ages 15 and older) 2004

People without access to an improved water source (%) 2004

Children underweight for age (% ages 0-5) 2004

1.Chad (56.9)

1.Zimbabwe (57.4)

1.Burkina Faso (76.4)

1.Ethiopia (78)

1.Nepal (48)

27.Yemen (38.0)

12.Congo (Democratic Republic of the (41.1)

34.Lao People's Democratic Republic (31.3)

8.Congo (Democratic Republic of the (54)

22. Angola (31)

28. Burundi (37.6)

13.Guinea-Bissau (40.5)

35. Guatemala (30.9)

9. Fiji (53)

23.Maldives (30)

29. Nigeria (37.3)

14.Nigeria (39.0)

36.Nigeria (30.9)

10. Nigeria (52)

24.Nigeria (29)

30.Malawi (36.7)

15.Cote d'Ivoire (38.6)

37.Tanzania (United Republic of) (30.6)

11.Madagascar (50)

25.Sri Lanka (29)

31.Rwanda (36.5)

16.Uganda (38.5)

38.Algeria (30.1)

12. Mali (50)

26. Philippines (28)

108. Barbados (3.0)

173.Iceland (1.4)

164.Estonia (0.2)

125.Hungary (1)

134.Chile (1)

Human Development Report 2007/2008 – Country Fact Sheets – Nigeria

Tables 1 and 2, summarize the the selfish condition related poverty in Nigeria in the global rating scale. How is MGD1 occur before this staggering level of poverty in Nigeria?

Aim 2: Achieve Universal Primary Education

The National Policy on Education (2004, amended) states that "Government recognized education as a instrument par excellence for effecting national development. The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) was saddled with the responsibility to ensure that Nigeria attains the goal of Universal Elementary through 2015 years. How this ambitious goal was attained in the presence of non-cooperation in some states in the sphere, not to meeting the needs to access their state funds for the Universal Basic Education program? Less than 50% of the state in the country is being able to comply by paying their counterpart funding. Unless and until this is done, such defaulting state, and by extension, the country is not to meet the 2015 target ng date for attaining universal primary education. What can be responsible for the lackluster attitude of some state government towards fulfill their part of obligations to consider this? Could it that education is undervalued by the current democratic actor or that the conditions for accessing funds are not allowed common for large financial seepages in the wrong hands?

Nigeria also endorsed Jometien conference on Education for All (EFA) by year 2000, set targets for early childhood care and development, primary education, junior secondary and adult literacy. The trend in the gross enrollment ratio (GER) napapahiwatig ng was great to fluctuations in enrollment between 1991 and 2000. enrollment increased appreciably between 1990 and 1994, rising from 68% to 86%. then Then, denied registration to 81% in 1995 and 70% in 1996. Therefore, Nigeria can not achieve Jometien EFA goals of 2000.

The Universal Basic Education (Ube) guideline stipulates that each primary and junior secondary schools should have a general science laboratory to cater for the elementary science and domestic science; One also spacious toilet for a maximum of 40 pupils or students per toilet; a teacher to teach or handle 40 pupils or students. The conditions by of what can be achieved in our schools is Utopian, and not attainable even by 2015 years. Very few schools have shaped a laboratory. Close sa bushes provide the toilet facilities in some of our school.

Goal 3: Promote Gender Equality and empower Women

The target this goal is to eliminate gender differences in primary and secondary education by 2005 and at all levels of education no later sa 2015. The indicators here are:

– Ratio of women to the man, in primary, secondary and tertiary education.

– Ratio of female education to men of 15-24 years old.

– Share of women in wage employment in non-agricultural sector

– Katapat seats held by women the national legislature.

Gender differences still manifests quite access a middle, secondary and tertiary education leading to unequal access to primary, secondary and tertiary education dates back to pre-colonial era and have backgrounds in traditional African culture. Will the target equality of gender and empowerment of women reached by 2015. The answer is clear in the negative. Society must be prepared to address the gender-stereotyping and the acceptance that the woman may be gender the purpose the maximum height if the society will allow access. The age-long notion of women as just being a child or do to meet the needs fun the native people should be jettisoned. Women excel in any chosen career they go on; they are very good and better management of home and society. May be no gender discrimination at work, whether public or private.

Goal 4 – Reduce child mortality

The National Millennium Goals Report (2004) noted that less progress was made in reducing the number of child deaths. Estimates from the 2003 National Demographic and Health Survey put under-five mortality rate 217 per 1000 with a large variety of the region. Urban and rural areas are under five mortality rates ng 243 per 1,000 and 153 per 1,000 respectively. Ang projection of purpose under consideration, is that there must be a reduction of two thirds (2 / 3) under-five mortality by 2015 years. In other words, Nigeria must be reduced under-five morality to 49 per 1,000 by 2015. It is most unlikely that Nigeria will meet 2015 target of reducing under-five mortality by two thirds (2 / 3).

The main obstacles towards achieving goal 4 of the MDGs is difficult access to facilities of health care (poverty), HIV / AIDS and poor maternal health. Good health services cost money and it is not within reach of the poor that unfortunately makes most of Nigeria's population. Corruption and greed are not allowed for free health services to the poor. Unfortunately, the government ought to ensure that high class medical facilities in our public institutions health failed in their responsibilities. This is the same people afford to travel abroad for the slightest ailments.

Presence of Health Care facilities, 1996 – 2000

(Per'000 People)

1.996

1.997

1.998

1.999

2.000

No. The doctor

0.212

0.207

0.201

0223

0.22

No Hospital Bed

0.677

0.643

0.613

0.575

0.639

The table depicts the very horrible The state facilities protection of health Nigeria. What efforts are on the ground to ensure that the picture changes drastically in a positive direction before the year 2015?

Goal 5: Improve Health mother

The target goals are to reduce maternal ratio of volume mortality of three quarters between 1990 and 2015. Although there was some reduction in mortality mother since 1990, level still remains high at approximately, 1,000 per 100,000 live births from the late 1990s sa 2001. The national mother mortality rate is 704 per 100,000 live births sa considerable regional variations (MDG Report 2004)

Death of mothers in Nigeria, as in most developing countries is usually traceable to women's powerlessness and their unequal access work, finance, education, basic health care, and other resources.

The challenge the ability of the goal 5 of the MDGs including teenage pregnancy, in harmful cultural practices, lack of health personnel and other infrastructure, especially in areas in the countryside. Nigeria accounts for 10% of global deaths of a mother (UCAID 2008).

52,000 Nigerian women die yearly from maternal related complications. Lanre-Abass (2008) stated that the majority of births in Nigeria (66%) occur at home. A smaller percentage of women receive postnatal care, which is essential for monitoring and treating complications in the first two days after delivery. Nigerian health system is bedeviled with problems of quality services, including against the attitude of some staff health (doctors and nurses), not enough capacity, decaying infrastructure, lack of essential drugs and fake drugs.

Goal 6: HIV / AIDS, malaria and other diseases

It is estimated that over 4.5 million Nigerian adults and children living with HIV / AIDS in 2008. The cumulative death from AIDS as at 2008 is about 4.2 million people. These are startling numbers that should trouble any group of people (Osakwe 2008). The age group most affected by the virus with the 20-29 year old, while the region with the highest rate rule include North Central, North East and South-South zone. This is horrible to know that the University treated 10,800 people with HIV between January and October, 2008.

Many factors help to spread the HIV / AIDS in Nigeria; include sexual networking practices such as polygamy, a high rule of untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs.), low condom use; poverty; low literacy; poor health status, stigmatization and irresponsible sexual habits. The prevalence of malaria in Nigeria are still high , and it is for abundance of blocked drainages and general uncleanliness that aids in malaria vectors. It is estimated that about a million deaths are recorded annually in Nigeria arising from malaria. The fact that we have insufficient number of trained medical personnel to implement programs such as national AIDS program remains a major challenge to the realization of Goal 6 of the MDGs.

Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability

Nigeria still The grappling the challenge of environmental sustainability. There are still major problems related to land degradation, pollution, floods, erosion, desertification, not effective use of energy resources, loss of biodiversity, environmental disasters and deforestation. There are still difficult access to improved sanitation facilities in Nigeria, which can be blamed on poor implementation of health and housing and other related policies, high levels of poverty, low awareness about the issues about environmental sustainability and rural general improvements. Why have long-term erosion ditch in the South East, parts of Delta and Edo defied attention – instead, farmlands and buildings are annually washed away; access cut-off and separated communities; children and adults were washed away by floods. How is that explainable the 21st century, even some university campuses, students who defecate anywhere and worse in some women Hostel! "Short-put" acquired a new definitions for anti social behavior. Student in the black soil polythene bag and throw behind both of their hall or leave them in the bathroom end. Sometimes human wastes are washed away in gutters and drains thus creating a health risk. Excavations for building construction and sand may not be obvious as a risk to the environment a short put; excavation but no help environmental consequences leaves much pain and anguish for the people. Some Nigerians daily contribute sa degradation of the environment and threat to lives and property by their careless and environment – remote tasks.

Goal 8: Develop A Global Partnership for Development

Nigeria continues to play a prominent role in the region cooperati

About the Author

Professor Emman Osakwe
B.Sc. (Nig), M.Ed. (Philadelphia), M.A. (London) Ph.D (Ibadan)