If Nigerians, particularly those outside Kaduna State could criticize
Governor El- Rufai's attempt to sanitize the education system of that State,
then there's something fundamentally wrong with our country.
If we cannot achieve unanimity on such an important and
desirable decision, then it's useless to listen to people's opinion before we
individually stand for what we believe in. There must be times when you are
willing to stand alone provided you believe sincerely in your convictions. This
is why I respect Governor El- Rufai. He's not moved by what people say. He
adamantly does what he believes is right and waits for posterity to vindicate
him.
As Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under OBJ, he left
an indelible mark as a courageous man of the future. Today, those who
criticized his action of demolishing illegal structures can tell the difference
between a courageous reformer and timid conformists. Love or hate him, El-Rufai
remains the best FCT Minister so far and in the future, he may also be regarded
as the best Governor in the history of Nigeria.
In Nigeria, we want to enjoy delicious omelette without breaking
eggs. Wonderful! Magical!! You want development but you are unwilling to pay
the price of taking the right decisions(no matter how painful), follow the
right principles and make the requisite sacrifices. We want everything on a
platter.
Ironically, it's the opposition he's facing today that will
deliver that medal of the best Governor Nigeria has ever produced to El Rufai.
Just as it happened after his stint at the FCT.
The measures which transform societies in the long term don't
always excite the majority in the immediate. That's why populist leaders most
times, aren't ultimately good leaders. The majority may not always be right.
Most of the great inventions we enjoy today were made by courageous, stubborn,
lonely, despised and insulted men.
I believe in sound education. I will always stand with El- Rufai
on this matter even if he has just one supporter.
I remember when I was in the secondary school, the standard was
comparatively high. Throughout my junior secondary days, teachers' involvement
in examination malpractice was unheard of. Students would complain that in
other parts of the country, school authorities helped their students in
external examinations. Those days, only a few products of our community schools
gained admission into tertiary institutions at first and even second attempts.
You could never mistake an undergraduate or graduate for a tout. His aura was
palpable. His speech was seasoned, his knowledge incontestable and his character
exemplary.
Before I left secondary school, the monster of school assisted
examination malpractice had infiltrated our school system. The result is what
we are witnessing today.Untrained, uneducated and unemployable graduates.
Aren't we doomed if God doesn't intervene on time?
I do not know of any nation which prospers without fixing
education. How can our schools churn out illiterates and we want it to continue
ad infinitum? It's as pathetic as it's sickening.
Why is our country so absurdly different? People who went to
school can't appreciate the difference between education and ignorance.
Supposedly educated folks can't tell how a literate mind differs from an
illiterate one.
The day I willingly allow someone who fails a primary four test
"teach" my child is the day my parents' investment in my education
would have been completely lost.
At times I wonder if these El Rufai's critics would allow these
illiterate teachers handle their own children for just a term. Hypocrisy and
mischief are watchwords in Nigeria. They should leave the teachers alone but
you can't allow them teach your children. They should be left alone to teach
animals while you vigorously check different private schools to choose the best
for your kids. Where is our conscience?
I will never place more premium on certificates than knowledge.
As I write, I don't know the last time I sighted my certificates. But I engage
the real thing I gained from school daily. Imagine if all I took from school
were the hard copy papers! Imagine if I have to present a certificate to prove
my education!!
Listen, it's better for those children to stay at home and enjoy
the company of their parents than waste their childhood under teachers who will
end up confusing their destinies.
No comments: