ADMISSION RACKETEERING: UNENDING SOCIETAL MENACE
Greetings brethren. Let me once again salute those faces that wake me up every morning, stay with me throughout the day, and invariably take me to bed at night. Frankly speaking; your enticing and ever charming faces remain my optimum impetus. I sincerely promise that I will never let you down.
Few weeks ago having woken up from my usual long-lasted night slumber that ushered me into a fantastic and memorable dream, a certain phone call instantly mesmerized the lovely mood which I found myself. A good friend of mine residing in Ghana called to enquire how the present Nigeria’s admission mode was faring. Believe me, the abrupt enquiry introduced an unforeseen ennui to my humble soul in its totality.
As regards the caller’s quest, unequivocally having heard from him about the nature of Ghana’s admission process (mode), I told him that that of Nigeria would remain a thing of mockery until she squarely addresses the ongoing education menace known as ‘Admission racketeering’ found on her various campuses. I went further to disclose to him that, if proper and adequate care is not taken, in the near future the current Nigeria’s admission scenario would end-up admitting ‘imbeciles’ into our campuses.
Racketeering is the act of making money by threatening people or by selling to them illegal, worthless, or immoral goods and/or services. In the same vein, Admission Racketeering based on the context of this edition, is the activity of making money by selling admission spaces to applicants of a certain institution of learning thereby silencing admission by merit.
The aforementioned criminal act could be found in either primary, secondary, or tertiary citadel of learning. Of course it’s no longer news that in Nigeria for instance, it has become the order of the day. In fact, most of our present days’ youths and as well teachers, have seen the activity as a ‘lucrative’ occupation or another means of survival.
The recent dimension of admission racketeering found in all the government tertiary academic institutions in Nigeria has really brought a nervous wreck to my person. It has grown out of hand to an extent that the racketeers or the miscreants in question now have official offices where they attend to their clients or the applicants. They even go a long way advertising their services as if it’s a legalized activity.
Barely few days ago, I allegedly learnt that a certain brilliant chap who scored above two hundred and sixty (260) in both UTME and Aptitude test having enrolled for Medical Laboratory Science in one of the state tertiary schools in Imo State was unable to secure an admission in the school in question due to admission racketeering. Afterwards, fortunately for the chap, he was admitted in the famous University of Ibadan, Oyo State to study Pharmacy with the same score he got in JAMB (UTME). Needless to say that, the degree of admission racketeering taking place in the existing institutions of higher learning in Nigeria varies from one to another. Let’s ride on!
The above anomaly, admission racketeering, is also taking place in our various government model secondary schools. In this case, the teachers or the head teachers as the case may be, are assumed to be the captains of the respective ships. Yes, the so-called educationists/teachers pilot the dirty affair known as admission racketeering. In most of the schools, the admission is no longer granted by merit; rather, it is being given to the highest bidders thereby depriving the less-privileged ones the chances of being admitted. So pathetic!
The type occurring in the existing private tertiary citadel of learning is not exempted. Though it may not be referred to as ‘admission racketeering’, but it is even more devastating. In this case, it’s obvious that admission is solely meant for the children/wards of the well-to-do parents/guardians. In other words, the only prerequisite to securing admission in such schools remains the amount of money in your pocket, provided the applicant has sat for UTME even if he/she scored zero or thereabouts, thereby throwing ‘admission by merit’ to the dustbin.
There’s only one way out as regards putting this menace to the history book. The Nigeria University Commission (NUC), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and other relevant and concerned agencies and groups including the non-governmental organizations and religious bodies have very vital respective roles to play in this regard.
They must as a matter of urgency in their respective capacities tender bills bearing grievous/capital penalty regarding silencing the cankerworm, to the Nigeria’s Legislative Arm of government. Most importantly, the agencies or groups must ensure that the bill if passed into law is duly implemented by the various Executive Arms of government which inculcate federal and states.
With regard to the above, the Judiciary must also ensure that any case regarding admission racketeering/anomaly brought to any court is duly handled in earnest in order to ensure that the suspect(s) is/are brought to book without any delay.
More so, the parents who encourage or patronize those miscreants ought to know that they are endangering the educational image as well as the future of their children or wards. ‘To before warned is to before armed.’
Above all brethren, all hands are expected to be on deck as regards silencing this ugly and deadly ubiquitous cankerworm that is liable to cost the entire Nigerian state an eternal socio-economic mayhem in no distant time. Think about it!
FRED NWAOZOR
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Monday, 23 June 2014
A Fact Nigerians Must Comprehend
ONE FACT NIGERIANS MUST COMPREHEND
Greetings brethren. Today’s crusade undoubtedly would be brief because we are heading directly to the point. No need beating about the bush; it’s high time we comprehended one fact as anarchy and imbroglio linger in our great and dear society.
To start with; honestly there’s nothing that is impossible to transpire in any existing society. For instance; there’s nothing unusual about a President dying in office. Of course we are all aware that William Harrison was the first United States’ President to kick the bucket whilst in office. And, John Kennedy remains the last that exited in such manner. In fact, eight sitting US Presidents have died either by virtue of nature, ill-health, accident or assassination. For example, Franklin Roosevelt died of cerebral heamorrhage; and so on and so forth.
Then considering Nigeria, five Presidents have exited while in office. Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Gen. J.T. Aguiyi-Ironsi were both assassinated in 1966; Gen Murtala Mohammed was also assassinated in 1976; Gen. Sani Abacha died in 1998 under a condition that remains a mystery till date, therefore could be tagged as ‘natural’; and Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua died in 2010 under a protracted illness.
What I’m saying in essence is that, anything whatsoever is bound to take place or be experienced by us/anyone provided we still live. On the other side, we must note that if peradventure crisis or anarchy takes place or abruptly becomes the order of the day, there is still enormous room for its exit. In other words, anything that has a beginning must surely end; this is a fact I sincerely want us to understand.
But mind you; for any crisis to come to an end, a tangible role must be played by the people concerned. Every negative circumstance is expected to be addressed squarely to enable its exit. Even if the crisis is as a result of the sins or evil deeds committed by the affected persons which is widely known and recognized as nemesis or repercussion, there are certain things that must be done by the people involved, because every sin committed has a penance that must be observed and duly absorbed by the person who committed it.
Most importantly, I want us to be aware and comprehend fully that every crisis has an end. The ‘Biafra war’ came and left peacefully though having consumed several souls; we had the MKO Abiola or the ‘June 12’ fiasco perpetrated by Ibrahim Babangida; there was also the Sani Abacha Military-to-Civilian President melodrama, and as well the Olusegun Obasanjo ‘Third Term’ distortion that resulted to series of anarchy; not forgotten the ‘Niger Delta Militancy’ saga that also found its exit point.
Though sometimes the lingering nature or manner of some political/social crises might warrant certain questions, which I often tag as ‘inevitable’. The inevitable questions are: Why would any person or group of persons hold ‘the giant of Africa’ to ransom? Why would any group, be it political, social or religious, act as if their ambition/interest takes precedence over the national interest? Could it be that the Mr. President’s ambition or vision and that of those surrounding him are such that they think very little of this country? And lastly, why do we sit still whilst a group of persons take us for fools? Let’s ride on!
At this juncture, I want to disclose the ‘fact’ Nigerians must fully comprehend. Frankly, the singular fact every Nigerian must comprehend is that every plight has its exit point, thus must surely come to an end; but such end/exit point will never come until a drastic and thorough measure is initiated and totally implemented as well.
We must wake up from our respective slumbers and become cerebral and ingenious as Nigeria in its totality seems to be approaching its moment of doom. For crying out loud; it is only a child that is meant to receive moral lesson. An adult is assumed to be fully aware of morality and its prerequisite.
If Nigeria must be better, then we must start from our respective borders. We must implement absolute networking as regards security at the various borders linking us to our neighbouring countries.
Also, we must be prepared to separate the chaffs from the grains. Honestly, the grains which remain useful are profoundly mixed, albeit ignorantly, with the chaffs which remain a societal menace. Believe me, the chaffs know themselves and the grains also know the chaffs; the harvester too knows which is the chaff and which is the grain.
I want to let you realize the fact that Nigeria doesn’t even need the assistance of the foreigners to fish out the miscreants because she is extremely informed, capable and competent in regard to putting these bullshits to an end.
In repeat; the fact we must comprehend to the fullness is that Nigeria would be well again owing to the fact that there’s nothing that is impossible to transpire in any society. Therefore, I urge the patriotic ones to remain steadfast, and the non-patriotic ones to embrace thorough repentance else their entire generations would live to face fathomless regrets. Think about it!
FRED NWAOZOR
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Greetings brethren. Today’s crusade undoubtedly would be brief because we are heading directly to the point. No need beating about the bush; it’s high time we comprehended one fact as anarchy and imbroglio linger in our great and dear society.
To start with; honestly there’s nothing that is impossible to transpire in any existing society. For instance; there’s nothing unusual about a President dying in office. Of course we are all aware that William Harrison was the first United States’ President to kick the bucket whilst in office. And, John Kennedy remains the last that exited in such manner. In fact, eight sitting US Presidents have died either by virtue of nature, ill-health, accident or assassination. For example, Franklin Roosevelt died of cerebral heamorrhage; and so on and so forth.
Then considering Nigeria, five Presidents have exited while in office. Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Gen. J.T. Aguiyi-Ironsi were both assassinated in 1966; Gen Murtala Mohammed was also assassinated in 1976; Gen. Sani Abacha died in 1998 under a condition that remains a mystery till date, therefore could be tagged as ‘natural’; and Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua died in 2010 under a protracted illness.
What I’m saying in essence is that, anything whatsoever is bound to take place or be experienced by us/anyone provided we still live. On the other side, we must note that if peradventure crisis or anarchy takes place or abruptly becomes the order of the day, there is still enormous room for its exit. In other words, anything that has a beginning must surely end; this is a fact I sincerely want us to understand.
But mind you; for any crisis to come to an end, a tangible role must be played by the people concerned. Every negative circumstance is expected to be addressed squarely to enable its exit. Even if the crisis is as a result of the sins or evil deeds committed by the affected persons which is widely known and recognized as nemesis or repercussion, there are certain things that must be done by the people involved, because every sin committed has a penance that must be observed and duly absorbed by the person who committed it.
Most importantly, I want us to be aware and comprehend fully that every crisis has an end. The ‘Biafra war’ came and left peacefully though having consumed several souls; we had the MKO Abiola or the ‘June 12’ fiasco perpetrated by Ibrahim Babangida; there was also the Sani Abacha Military-to-Civilian President melodrama, and as well the Olusegun Obasanjo ‘Third Term’ distortion that resulted to series of anarchy; not forgotten the ‘Niger Delta Militancy’ saga that also found its exit point.
Though sometimes the lingering nature or manner of some political/social crises might warrant certain questions, which I often tag as ‘inevitable’. The inevitable questions are: Why would any person or group of persons hold ‘the giant of Africa’ to ransom? Why would any group, be it political, social or religious, act as if their ambition/interest takes precedence over the national interest? Could it be that the Mr. President’s ambition or vision and that of those surrounding him are such that they think very little of this country? And lastly, why do we sit still whilst a group of persons take us for fools? Let’s ride on!
At this juncture, I want to disclose the ‘fact’ Nigerians must fully comprehend. Frankly, the singular fact every Nigerian must comprehend is that every plight has its exit point, thus must surely come to an end; but such end/exit point will never come until a drastic and thorough measure is initiated and totally implemented as well.
We must wake up from our respective slumbers and become cerebral and ingenious as Nigeria in its totality seems to be approaching its moment of doom. For crying out loud; it is only a child that is meant to receive moral lesson. An adult is assumed to be fully aware of morality and its prerequisite.
If Nigeria must be better, then we must start from our respective borders. We must implement absolute networking as regards security at the various borders linking us to our neighbouring countries.
Also, we must be prepared to separate the chaffs from the grains. Honestly, the grains which remain useful are profoundly mixed, albeit ignorantly, with the chaffs which remain a societal menace. Believe me, the chaffs know themselves and the grains also know the chaffs; the harvester too knows which is the chaff and which is the grain.
I want to let you realize the fact that Nigeria doesn’t even need the assistance of the foreigners to fish out the miscreants because she is extremely informed, capable and competent in regard to putting these bullshits to an end.
In repeat; the fact we must comprehend to the fullness is that Nigeria would be well again owing to the fact that there’s nothing that is impossible to transpire in any society. Therefore, I urge the patriotic ones to remain steadfast, and the non-patriotic ones to embrace thorough repentance else their entire generations would live to face fathomless regrets. Think about it!
FRED NWAOZOR
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Fate of the CBN As Emefiele Assumes Duty
ANTICIPATED FATE OF CBN AS EMEFIELE ASSUMES DUTY
Brethren, surely “Obi” won’t continue to be a boy as it is vastly noted or cited; rather, he’s expected to become a full-fledged man some day. In other words, change remains inevitable.
The period between 1892-1952 (about 60 years interval), there was an enquiry by the then colonial administration to investigate banking practice in Nigeria. The G.D. Paton’s report which emanated from the enquiry was the basis for the first Banking Ordinance of 1952. The ordinance was designed to ensure orderly commercial banking and to prevent the establishment of unviable banks. In view of this, a draft legislation for the establishment of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was presented to the House of Representatives in March 1958. The Act was duly implemented on July 1, 1958 when the CBN came into full operations.
Since then, the CBN has taken full responsibility over nurturing the money and capital markets. In subsequent to this, the CBN introduced treasury bills in 1960, treasury certificate in 1968, and facilitated the establishment of Lagos Stock Exchange in 1961. It also went further to institute the Capital Issue Committee now known and addressed as the Securities and Exchange Committee in the early 1970s.
Considering the Currency Management Section of the CBN, it is worthy to note that the Naira notes and coins are invariably printed/minted by the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting (NSPM) Plc and other overseas printing/minting companies, and thereafter issued by the said bank. At the currency printing works of the NSPM Plc, quality is meticulously controlled throughout every process of currency production. This, no doubt, guarantees that every note issued by the CBN meets the required standard. The CBN maintains an office referred to as Mint Inspectorate in the premises of the MSPM Plc to maintain security and quality of Naira notes and coins. This implies that the CBN has, since inception of duty, been in charge of standardization of the Nigeria’s currency otherwise recognized as “the Naira”.
The CBN undertakes Monetary Policy in order to: maintain Nigeria’s external reserves to safeguard the international value of the legal currency; to promote and maintain the monetary stability and a sound/efficient financial system in Nigeria; to act as Banker and Financial Adviser to the Federal Government; and finally, to act as lender of last resort to commercial banks.
Since the establishment of the CBN in 1958, the so far governors (bosses) of the bank implemented their respective policies regarding the monetary system of the country’s financial industry. The 9th substantive boss of the apex bank in the person of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo introduced one of the most controversial policies since the history of the bank, which was tagged “Consolidation”, and it worked effectively. It was a measure that fetched the man in question a well respected and renowned named as a financial personnel.
Subsequently, Mallam Lamido Sanusi being the 10th substantive governor of the bank, came up with his “Cashless Policy”; a policy Nigeria at large will live to testify its goodness. Let’s ride on!
As Mr. Godwin Emefiele assumes duty as the 11th substantive governor of the apex bank amidst tough challenges, he is meant to note that all eyes are on him as regards reshaping and as well restoring the unstable and “drowsy” Nigerian economy, which is spearheaded by the famous Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Frankly, Emefiele’s appointment as the CBN boss comes at a time Nigeria’s financial industry is undergoing severe tension following the uncertainties that trail the nation’s currency, the Naira. Analysts and financial professionals are profoundly of the view that, enormous effort is immensely needed to drive the Nigeria’s economy to greater destinations.
Prior to his present position, he was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) cum Group Managing Director (GMD) of Zenith Bank Plc – one of the most respected financial institutions in the whole of Nigeria and across Africa as well; a position he assumed on August 1, 2010. Reports hold that he obtained both Bachelor and Masters (MBA) Degrees in Finance and Banking from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Based on these track records, it is widely in speculation that the long awaited promise-land in regard to the Nigeria’s financial cum economic status would no doubt be embraced in no distant time by the anticipated effort of the aforementioned banking guru. He has already stated during his media briefing that, CBN will reduce “High Interest Rates” presently taking place in commercial banks and also ensure “Exchange Rate Stability” thereby raising the value of the local currency (the Naira), among other worthwhile policies he stipulated. Such statement was truly a way forward.
Notwithstanding, most Nigerians are only interested in pragmatic and dogged approach coupled with financial activism in respect to simplifying or unravelling the ongoing economic/financial complexity and crises in the Nigerian state. This is one good reason the present CBN boss ought to be extremely careful and alert towards carrying-out the statutory duties that await his person, because the citizens don’t expect Second Best, rather Second to None; apparently they expect nothing less than “the Best” from him.
At this juncture, I sincerely urge Mr. Emefiele to concentrate on business as he leads the CBN’s activities. Of course, statutorily, his business as the boss of the apex bank remains initiation of formidable and tangible Monetary Policies and the safeguard of the already existing remarkable ones. As the governor of the custodian of the Nigeria’s funds in its entirety, we the concerned patriotic citizens are instigating him to wear a very bold skin as he’s ready and prepared to pilot the affairs of the apex financial institution in the “Giant of Africa”
He shouldn’t forget in a hurry that, he assumes office as the 11th substantive governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria amid tremendous challenges coupled with various mixed feelings and reactions among the citizenry. In view of this, he must be ready to face the so-called challenges squarely or better still look at them (the challenges) in their respective faces to ensure that our “vulnerable” currency is duly standardized.
Needless to say; he (Godwin Emefiele) ought not to let Dr. Goodluck Jonathan regret over the nomination he made owing to his Presidential Immunity on 20th February 2014. For crying out loud; it’s high time “Obi” became a full grown man. Think about it!
COMR. FRED NWAOZOR
Owerri-based Social analyst & activist
_________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348054719437
Brethren, surely “Obi” won’t continue to be a boy as it is vastly noted or cited; rather, he’s expected to become a full-fledged man some day. In other words, change remains inevitable.
The period between 1892-1952 (about 60 years interval), there was an enquiry by the then colonial administration to investigate banking practice in Nigeria. The G.D. Paton’s report which emanated from the enquiry was the basis for the first Banking Ordinance of 1952. The ordinance was designed to ensure orderly commercial banking and to prevent the establishment of unviable banks. In view of this, a draft legislation for the establishment of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was presented to the House of Representatives in March 1958. The Act was duly implemented on July 1, 1958 when the CBN came into full operations.
Since then, the CBN has taken full responsibility over nurturing the money and capital markets. In subsequent to this, the CBN introduced treasury bills in 1960, treasury certificate in 1968, and facilitated the establishment of Lagos Stock Exchange in 1961. It also went further to institute the Capital Issue Committee now known and addressed as the Securities and Exchange Committee in the early 1970s.
Considering the Currency Management Section of the CBN, it is worthy to note that the Naira notes and coins are invariably printed/minted by the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting (NSPM) Plc and other overseas printing/minting companies, and thereafter issued by the said bank. At the currency printing works of the NSPM Plc, quality is meticulously controlled throughout every process of currency production. This, no doubt, guarantees that every note issued by the CBN meets the required standard. The CBN maintains an office referred to as Mint Inspectorate in the premises of the MSPM Plc to maintain security and quality of Naira notes and coins. This implies that the CBN has, since inception of duty, been in charge of standardization of the Nigeria’s currency otherwise recognized as “the Naira”.
The CBN undertakes Monetary Policy in order to: maintain Nigeria’s external reserves to safeguard the international value of the legal currency; to promote and maintain the monetary stability and a sound/efficient financial system in Nigeria; to act as Banker and Financial Adviser to the Federal Government; and finally, to act as lender of last resort to commercial banks.
Since the establishment of the CBN in 1958, the so far governors (bosses) of the bank implemented their respective policies regarding the monetary system of the country’s financial industry. The 9th substantive boss of the apex bank in the person of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo introduced one of the most controversial policies since the history of the bank, which was tagged “Consolidation”, and it worked effectively. It was a measure that fetched the man in question a well respected and renowned named as a financial personnel.
Subsequently, Mallam Lamido Sanusi being the 10th substantive governor of the bank, came up with his “Cashless Policy”; a policy Nigeria at large will live to testify its goodness. Let’s ride on!
As Mr. Godwin Emefiele assumes duty as the 11th substantive governor of the apex bank amidst tough challenges, he is meant to note that all eyes are on him as regards reshaping and as well restoring the unstable and “drowsy” Nigerian economy, which is spearheaded by the famous Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Frankly, Emefiele’s appointment as the CBN boss comes at a time Nigeria’s financial industry is undergoing severe tension following the uncertainties that trail the nation’s currency, the Naira. Analysts and financial professionals are profoundly of the view that, enormous effort is immensely needed to drive the Nigeria’s economy to greater destinations.
Prior to his present position, he was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) cum Group Managing Director (GMD) of Zenith Bank Plc – one of the most respected financial institutions in the whole of Nigeria and across Africa as well; a position he assumed on August 1, 2010. Reports hold that he obtained both Bachelor and Masters (MBA) Degrees in Finance and Banking from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Based on these track records, it is widely in speculation that the long awaited promise-land in regard to the Nigeria’s financial cum economic status would no doubt be embraced in no distant time by the anticipated effort of the aforementioned banking guru. He has already stated during his media briefing that, CBN will reduce “High Interest Rates” presently taking place in commercial banks and also ensure “Exchange Rate Stability” thereby raising the value of the local currency (the Naira), among other worthwhile policies he stipulated. Such statement was truly a way forward.
Notwithstanding, most Nigerians are only interested in pragmatic and dogged approach coupled with financial activism in respect to simplifying or unravelling the ongoing economic/financial complexity and crises in the Nigerian state. This is one good reason the present CBN boss ought to be extremely careful and alert towards carrying-out the statutory duties that await his person, because the citizens don’t expect Second Best, rather Second to None; apparently they expect nothing less than “the Best” from him.
He shouldn’t forget in a hurry that, he assumes office as the 11th substantive governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria amid tremendous challenges coupled with various mixed feelings and reactions among the citizenry. In view of this, he must be ready to face the so-called challenges squarely or better still look at them (the challenges) in their respective faces to ensure that our “vulnerable” currency is duly standardized.
Needless to say; he (Godwin Emefiele) ought not to let Dr. Goodluck Jonathan regret over the nomination he made owing to his Presidential Immunity on 20th February 2014. For crying out loud; it’s high time “Obi” became a full grown man. Think about it!
COMR. FRED NWAOZOR
Owerri-based Social analyst & activist
_________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348054719437
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