Nigerian Professors

NIGERIAN PROFESSORS: PATHWAY TO THE PROMISE-LAND
Frankly speaking, even if I happen to be held at gunpoint by three able-bodied men, I would stick to realism regardless of the consequences it may result to. Yes, realism is a school of thought I will never regret associating myself with because realistic things which remain the sole product of realism are simply divine, or in other words, godly. As a bonafide member of this noble institution, realism or as a realist, I detest mirage with enormous passion because I strongly believe that reality is the direct opposite of the aforementioned phenomenon (mirage).
Let me use this avenue to quickly bring us closer to a fact which most of us is yet to embrace. Life is not arithmetic or any branch of mathematics. When I say “or any branch of mathematics”, I meant that apart from arithmetic, it’s neither algebra nor geometry. For some of us whom are closer to mathematics, you would understand that the subject/discipline comprises of three major branches. Yes, life is not mathematics; in life experience, sometimes when you add one to one, it won’t give you two which is the anticipatory result, rather it may give you a figure which could be above one hundred. This is a reality or a factual fact. People who are far from this logic end-up embracing “mirage” in their everyday lives. So beloved, it’s high time we fully understood the reality of life.
Today’s edition reads “Nigerian professors” which I tagged as the pathway to the promise-land. To commence with; who’s a professor?
From my singular opinion and in a concise definition, a professor is the most learned person in any society. Whatever any definition as regards a professor might read, the fact behinds it remains that he’s the most educated individual in any organization he belongs to. And a Nigerian professor is a professor who hails from or is a citizen of Nigeria.
Few weeks ago, a good friend of mine who knows me as an analyst/activist called from Cross-River State, Calabar to be precise to register one of his grievances in regard to Nigerian educational system. A man who I’ve known for years as a fellow advocate of education expressed his view bitterly. He said that one of his professor friends/mentors who retired two years ago in one of the Nigerian universities after serving the country meritoriously and tirelessly could not boast of a befitting private vehicle/car that can convey him from one locality to another. He wept bitterly on phone having dropped the message. What a world!
Honestly brethren, it beats my psyche each time I see most of the Nigerian professors exhibiting series of cacophonies like a mid-night cockroach as a result of how cruelly they had been treated by the government. As they continually develop this unannounced despair, it’s our duty to let any government suffering from ignorance to know that this set of people remains the threshold of any existing society. Thus, we can’t watch them continue to embrace this disastrous high fever which may likely lead to societal epitaph.
I must tell you this; if surely we will embrace that promise-land we all are eagerly waiting to encounter, then our professors must be placed first. I’ve earlier written on democracy and technocracy which is similar to this edition. Yes any democratic setting that recognizes technocracy must be filled with a good number of professors. And those ones who are found in various classrooms would also be highly pampered. It’s a reality not a mirage. Let’s ride on!
Believe it or leave it; our professors have not been given any vital role to play in respect to the ongoing developmental stride. Even those who had been granted the opportunity to serve were not allowed to fully earn their view. And most pathetically, those found in our classrooms are not being motivated.
How can the councilor of a certain political ward in Nigeria go home at the end of every month with a figure mounting to millions of naira while the professor of a university goes home at the same month end with barely two hundred thousand naira or thereabout, or even less than that; Isn’t it funny? Think about it!

_____________________
COMR. FRED NWAOZOR
Social analyst & activist

INCESSANT RAPE OCCURENCE

RAPE ON THE RAMPAGE
It is no longer news that the mankind is passing through the twenty first (21st) century. In other words, every society/community existing in this lovely universe has embraced or is almost close to a civilized state. But the worrying question that accompanies this fact is, does civilization constitutes a high rate of social-vices?

In recent times, the increasing rate of rape has remained the order of the day and as well, a fathomless societal cankerworm in the African society and the world in general. And the implementation of a finite measure as regards its eradication seems to be a mirage.

Rape, in a short and concise tense, is an act in which a man indulges a female human into sex forcedly or against her wish. More so, a rapist is a man who rapes or has raped a female human.
Over the years, rape cases have been occurring uncontrollably across the country. More pathetically, lately the incidence has been lingering in such a dirty manner that it has warranted many concerned individuals/bodies to insinuate that the country was dedicated to the men of the underworlds by our fore-fathers. Suffice to say, the onlookers or members of this lovely rostrum fiercely attacked by these deadly bed bugs have been ushered to a state of imbroglio or conundrum.

Rape could take place indoors or outdoors based on the relationship between the two parties involved. The latter often takes place between the victim of circumstance and a group of men/boys, and usually at night. In this mode, the victim would be dragged or forcedly carried to a near-by bush or an uncompleted building by the group in order to embrace privacy. While the former happens between two false lovers, or a female and a false male lover which often takes place out of seduction. There are many ways a man could cajole a lady into premarital sex such as intake of alcoholic/drugged drink, initiation of oral sex, et cetera.

Sometimes rape occurs as a result of the environment the two parties found themselves. For instance, few weeks ago, the sun daily newspaper reported that a certain married woman was allegedly raped at night in the police cell at one of the cities in Delta State, Nigeria by her cellmate who happened to be a man at the age of 22. The news was so shocking and extremely disgusting. Subsequently several questions emerged from this disheartening information. And the summary of the questions was, on what ground or circumstance should a woman be kept in the cell with a fellow of an opposite sex to the extent of allowing them to pass a night together?

Various schools of thought have been into series of researches with the aim of ascertaining the actual cause(s) of rape. And, the realists which are members of the school of thought known as realism succeeded in coming out with a result. According to them, rape could be caused as a result of the following: mental disorder, immoral dressing, ignorance, intake of alcoholic drinks or hard drugs, deceit and curse which could be grouped into medical, social and spiritual syndromes. Let's ride on!

Someone who’s suffering from a certain mental disease and not kept under lock and key or any guard is no doubt a societal menace, thereby may end up indulging in several social vices such as rape. A lady who dresses half-naked is liable to the wrath of rape as a result of sexual seduction she ignorantly introduced. Most ladies who indulge in such act do so to attract the attention of the public, unknowingly to them that such practice may beget evil.

Men who cannot live without alcoholic drinks or hard drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, Indian helm to mention but a few would always think of and as well go for something evil such as rape, and often sees it as a pleasurable activity.

Also, several men in love affair are fond of deceiving their partners through presentation of expensive gifts and/or dishing out emotional eulogies, romantic speeches and falsehoods which would make them appear extremely affectionate and unique just to actualize their selfish interest. At the long run, he would end up sleeping with the lady/girl which could be against her wish or faith. Most men even go a long way introducing various romantic speeches such as oral sex either through the telecommunication gadgets or during an indoor conversation with the partner. And most times the ladies become so lousy or careless that they can’t differentiate the real from the fake even when the handwriting is boldly and clearly written on the wall.

Above all, someone who has been placed under a certain curse subsequent to an evil deed he committed in the past may see rape as an occupation. The members of this group usually indulge in incest.

The legislature has a very vital role to play towards eradicating this sacrilegious act. The law makers should enact a law that shall bear a capital punishment such as sentencing anyone found guilty of such loathsome and bastardly act to life imprisonment or any similar penalty that ought to be grievous. Another law should also be enacted stating that any lady caught outside her home or place of residence clad in any immoral wear would be arrested, prosecuted by a mobile court and asked to pay a huge amount of money as fine if found guilty. The last but not the least of the laws should be on how to address the illegal sales and consumption of alcoholic drinks and hard drugs which has proliferated intensely in our noble society.

Secondly, the government should ensure that any individual suffering from any form of mental imbalance is caught or taken to a special psychiatric home, duly treated and catered for. On this note, people should endeavour to report any person suffering from such illness to the appropriate quarters/agency.

Thirdly, the religious institutions/organizations are not left out. They should find out from their congregations whosoever that is passing through any spiritual attack or any kind of curse in order to be placed on special deliverance. Fourthly, the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders should on charitable basis from time-to-time sponsor seminars and workshops with the object of sensitizing and sanitizing the minds of the youth on rape and other social vices.

Also, the police authority and other concerned bodies/individuals ought to ensure that on no account/circumstance should inmates that are of opposite sex be kept in the same cell.
Above all, we must always endeavour to tell ourselves nothing but the truth. The men folk should stay away from deceit because it’s highly blasphemous, and it maims and kills too. Learn to tell your beloved partner the gospel truth and always remember that pre-marital sex is evil.

On the other hand, the ladies should also be extremely careful and socially conscious of whatever they do. You must first and foremost be aware of what you want before you can go for it. Try to be sure of what exactly you want and to know virtually everything about whosoever that happens to be your partner in any area of life. Don’t allow yourself to be deceived.

The actors of this evil act should also realize that they are inviting the wrath of God which may lead them to a state of doom and could be deadly if they fail to embrace real repentance.

No one should be insouciant over the stride towards the eradication of this aberration that is putting the lives of millions of our innocent women/ladies in state of jeopardy. Therefore everyone is expected to be grief-stricken and act accordingly. Some hurts or grievances could be overlooked but not this one. We must work assiduously and as well, fight tremendously to ensure that this barbaric incidence becomes a thing of the past. And the time to act is now. Mind you, both human and non-human faces are required in solving this problem. Think about it!


COMR. FRED NWAOZOR
Social analyst & activist
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frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348099250401

POWER STABILITY IN NIGERIA

SCENIC SCENARIOS: THE WAY FORWARD (1)
Personally, I don’t take promise(s) for granted. That is why I succeeded in coming up with this edition. Remember, in my previous edition on unemployment before I did something on ‘birthday anniversary celebration’ which I tagged as a welcome phenomenon, I promise that, I would introduce separate editions that would discuss the power and education sectors. Henceforth, we shall not be discussing only the aforementioned sectors, but, inclusive of other sectors that also require urgent attention if the vision 20:20:20 in Nigeria must be a reality. So, this and subsequent editions shall lay emphases on the six major sectors that ought to be considered by the Nigerian government with the aim of solving the on-going socio-economic and political crises in the country. Each of them (the editions) shall emphasize on the steps, or remedial approach to be taken to ensure that, the lingering problem(s) in each of the six sectors is/are duly solved. The challenges that await the government while taking any of them (the steps) were foreseen and tagged by the columnist/writer ‘as unavoidable’ if the noble dream of the nation must be actualized.

Thus, this and the subsequent edition(s) shall be discussing power, health, education, refineries, security and labour respectively. So, in this edition, we shall be discussing ‘power’ exclusively and extensively just as I promised earlier; in my previous edition.

Brethren, in any context the above term, power, is being used, either physical, spiritual, economic, or electrical, it will continue to be one of the most fundamental aspects of human existence or struggle. But, in this edition, we’re only interested in its electrical context, and our nightmare is on its instability.

Electrical power or electricity has been the most fundamental/primary aspect of any economic development. Thus, its instability remains a worthwhile case study in any developmental struggle.
For over the years, lack of power stability has been a nasty cankerworm in the nation’s socio-economic growth. And, its eradication remains an enormous task or a nightmare to any political leader(s). On this note, the country has remained in absolute darkness, both physically and economically since her independence. For such barrier to be thrown to the waste bin, there is a certain step that must be taken/considered by the government; this single step, as stated below, should be adhered to by the present administration to ascertain steady and efficient power stability. Privatization: This is the act of selling government owned firm(s) to an individual or group of persons due to one of two reasons in the interest of the government, and of the public. Sometimes, it could be due to lack of fund requires for the maintenance (management) of the company in question. On the other hand, it could be for the aim of actualizing more adequate/effective functioning of the company thereby ensuring greater output.

The devastating condition of power supply in Nigeria that seems immutable requires this measure. The existing Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) should be totally sold to any interested individual or group, so that, the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity would be carried out by the private owner instead of having access to only ‘distribution’ which is the case in the present (on-going) situation/era. Also, an embargo should be lifted by the government allowing other potential investors, indigenous or foreign, to participate in the sector, thereby creating competition or ascertaining a competitive market set-up in the sector rather than the existing monopolistic system.
Just a few years ago, a similar step was taken in the telecommunication sector by the past administration led by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and it worked. Honestly, once there’s a competition in any market system, the optimum target of each concerned investor remains how to be at the peak. Because, such position will automatically attract larger number of clients. Thus, such practice (competition) will definitely lead to efficiency.

So, the issue of constant power failure in Nigeria does not actually require the involvement or practice of technocracy, rather, a costless and intensely worthwhile measure such as the aforementioned tool (privatization). Even if you’re suffering from squint, with your basic knowledge in economics/commerce, you can easily see beyond my humble imagination.

Adversely, this measure is likely to yield a high cost of services. But, this shouldn’t be a nightmare to the government, because, once this objective is actualized, every individual irrespective of his/her status will be willing and able to afford the bills/charges. Yes, because adequate and steady power supply will ascertain high productivity which shall lead to greater and tremendous supply of goods and services thereby reducing the prices of commodities to their barest minimum. It’s not a magic; it’s social-science. Therefore, I’m speaking socio-scientifically.

Apart from the above reason, there are some other factors that would ascertain the willingness, readiness and ability of the consumers to comply with the charge that shall accompany the electricity supply. Those factors are painstakingly stated below.

Industrialization: As soon as steady power supply is actualized, there would be massive participation of private (individual) investors in establishment of industries/firms across the federation. And, this will create an avenue for immense job opportunities, and as well, high productivity of goods and services. In addition, the era of bad road network would be a thing of the past, because, the industrialists/investors will leave no stone unturned to ensure that, any road network affecting the location of their respective investments is duly addressed. On this note, there will be adequate transportation system. In a nut shell, industrialization will definitely yield high job opportunities, and as well, productivity, good road network, and effective transport services (system). And, other social amenities such as steady water supply will also be ascertained. Brethren, these features will drastically showcase a developed society (economy).

Commercial agriculture: Our land is already blessed/enriched with abundant minerals and nutrients, and there are numerous available raw-materials that can be used for unlimited cultivation. Our only problem remains mechanization. Even if there’re sufficient machines, their performances can never be effective without a reliable power supply.

Once adequate power supply and good road network are sustained, or injected into the system, potential commercial agriculturists will definitely emerge, and set up their respective farms. This practice will also attract massive job opportunities and high availability of goods and services which shall subsequently reduce the prices of commodities in our various markets.

So, indulgence in commercial farming is one of the gate ways require for drastic poverty alleviation in Nigeria, or any other developing nation. Self – reliance / Entrepreneurship: Apart from the establishment of large scale industries/companies by individual investors, there will also be immense location of small and medium scale firms by several citizens/individuals across the federation, because, right from time, Nigerians are already blessed with such propensity. And, this will surely yield a society/country where over seventy five percent (75%) of its occupants are self-reliant (entrepreneurs) or employers of labour. Think about it!

Don’t forget, next edition shall be on ‘health’. So prepare yourself.

COMR. FRED NWAOZOR
Social analyst & activist
_____________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348099250401