The Antidote to Poverty in Nigeria

Nnamdi Edu

Introduction

Having grown up in Rivers State, Nigeria, I have long been aware of the poverty that engulfs my nation. When I was in secondary school, I used to look for menial jobs to support my school expenses. Most of the time, my friend and I would seek for a farmland owned by some wealthy families in our village, which we can clear for a living. It got to the point that my friend and I had to skip classes so that we could cut a farmland for one woman in our community. When the said woman would see us coming to work during school hours, she would ask us if our situation was caused by the increases in school fees. We would both respond “No.” I tried to explain to her that our absence from school during that particular time had nothing to do with an increase in school fees and that we had to work because we needed funds for some school materials. My friend and I both hailed from families whose parents are just peasant workers. The money that our parents earned was not enough to meet our needs. The woman, having known our families, offered to pay us immediately to enable us to return to school the next day. She said: “I have often wondered how the two of you are coping with your studies in such a situation.” Despite our state, however, we never had enough time to think about being poor.

With this background, I entered the search for “Poverty” as a significant issue in Nigeria.  I have recognized that most of the affluent in society took advantage of the poor by paying them wages that were not commensurate with the task assigned to them. I wanted to look more deeply into this complicated social issue and economic dilemma. I have set this question for myself: “What is the best way that Nigeria can handle its problem with poverty?”

My exploration of this issue begins with an article by Henry Bayo that I read in the Vanguard newspaper titled “Can Buhari Reduce Poverty?” In that article, Henry Bayo questioned the morality of the previous administration regarding their treatment of the nation’s poverty issue. He pointed out that policymakers have subjected the nation to poverty despite its abundant natural resources. He asserted that over 100 million Nigerians live on two dollars per day. He also quoted the social scientist who suggested that the poverty level of the country can be reduced if the government provides the youth with more jobs. Furthermore, he argued that debt can diminish if the government subsidizes education costs and the health expenses of the masses. He admonished the former administration for not being able to fulfill their promises. 

I found Henry Bayo’s article to be persuasive. His article has set the tone for the government to identify the critical administrative deficiencies of the previous administration. I like his argument that if the rate of the dollar continues to increase, the current government, which is led by Muhammadu Buhari, will also be unsuccessful in its search for a lasting solution to the country’s poverty issue. However, Henry Bayo only mentioned oil as the country’s primary source of income in his article. I disagree with him in this aspect. I firmly believe that Nigeria’s great reliance on oil has contributed to its current poverty level. Indeed, our country needs to change its mentality and accept the changing ideology regarding the diversification of the economy.

What Causes Poverty?

One of the early clues to the country’s poverty is its unemployment rate. Unemployment gives birth to poverty (Nwagwu 2014). A person is poor when he/she cannot satisfy his/her basic needs. Aiyedogbon and Ohwofasa (2012) define unemployment rate as the number of people who have the ability to work and are in search of a job but are unable to find employment. They further established a relationship between poverty and unemployment. “From 2007 to 2011, the poverty level in Nigeria averaged 60.0%, while unemployment increased to 18.5% respectively” (Aiyedogbon and Ohwofasa (2012). Thus, when people are not earning, the possibility of getting money to satisfy their needs is insignificant. 

Another cause of poverty in Nigeria is the lack of proper education. Education is key to development (Ucha 2010). The system of education in Nigeria does not prepare students for the labor market. There is a gap between theory and practice. According to Dewey (1907), schools should be a miniature of the society. This means school curriculum should reflect the needs of students, their parents, and the community. For instance, a typical first-school leaving certificate holder does not know what he/she can do after graduating. Likewise, senior certificate holders also do not see job opportunities for them in society. As a result, they seek for jobs in the private sector. The government should strengthen the country’s education department to create an enabling environment for all the graduates of the nation.  

The third cause that I want to talk about is corruption. Nigeria is one of the world’s developing countries, and according to Oviawe and Iwuamadi (2010), its levels of social and economic problems are high. Transparency International defines corruption “as the abuse of power for private advantage” (Ajisafe 2016). As a result, many private business owners are in control of the country’s wealth, preventing the proper distribution of wealth. The misappropriation of scarce resources will affect the national economy, which, in turn, will give birth to poverty. The money of the nation continues to be in the hands of the rich, while the poor continue to be poor.

Way Out of Poverty

Values education is an essential concept in the curriculum of schools. Because lack of knowledge is one of the causes of the country’s poverty, the government can prevent poverty with the right values by allowing the integration of values in our schools. The benefits should be concepts that transcend the walls of the schools. If the students gain the proper knowledge, costs, and skills that the society needs, our country’s rate of poverty will reduce.

When students learn the values of respect, honesty, perseverance, and accountability, they will grow with it. In turn, this will minimize the rate of corruption in the country. The Bible says: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Thus, the future of Nigeria relies on producing children who can integrate values in their activities to improve the society.

            In addition, the government should create job opportunities for the youth. Most of our teenagers do not have jobs; hence, they go about doing inappropriate activities. In a bid to eradicate poverty, the government should create job opportunities for the youth. “At 5.3%, the rate of urbanization in Nigeria is among the highest in the world. Since manufacturing is stagnant, there are few jobs for the growing urban population, and urban unemployment is estimated at 10.8%” (Obadan 2001).

Conclusion

The concept of poverty has caught the attention of many researchers who are in search of the solution to it. An awareness of the factors that influence poverty is imperative. The government has a substantial responsibility to ensure the eradication of poverty. To achieve this, the values of education should occupy a significant position in the curriculum of schools. All government agencies must work hard to fight corruption by assisting corruption victims.

Transparency and accountability are essential in times like these. All citizens who occupy a position of trust must work with integrity. The Bible says: “A good name is better than riches” (Proverbs 22:1). The country belongs to all of us, and we must all work hard to fight poverty. Therefore, Nigeria should not allow poverty to thrive; instead, it should apply the aforementioned principles when planning and formulating policies.

References

Awogbenle, A.C., and Iwuamadi, K.C. (2010). Youth Unemployment: Entrepreneurship Development Programme as an Intervention Mechanism. African Journal of Business Management, 4(6), 831–835.

Bayo, Henry (2015). Can Buhari Reduce Poverty? Retrieved September 3, 2017, from

Nwagwu, E. J. (2014). Unemployment and Poverty in Nigeria: A Link to National Insecurity. Global Journal of Politics and Law Research, Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 19–35.

Aiyedogbon, J. O., and Ohwofasa, B. O. (2012). Poverty and Youth Unemployment in Nigeria. International Journal of Business and Social Science, Vol. 3, No. 20.

Ajisafe, R. A. (2016). Corruption and Poverty in Nigeria: Evidence from Ardl Bound Test and Error Correction Model. Journal of Emerging Trends in Economics and Management Sciences, 7(3), 156–163.

Obadan, M. I. (2001). Poverty Reduction in Nigeria: The Way Forward. CBN Economic and Financial Review, 39(4), 159–188.

Ucha, C. (2010). Poverty in Nigeria: Some Dimensions and Contributing Factors. Global Majority E-Journal, 1(1), 46–56.

Dynamic and Rigorous Religious Education Program: The Pathway to Tolerance and National Cooperation

By Nnamdi Edu

Abstract

This paper analyzes the effect of a dynamic and rigorous religious education program on tolerance and national cooperation in Nigeria. To be specific, it identifies the training of religious educators, both of Islam and Christianity, as a means to reduce the present religious clashes that are rampant in the nation through the proposal of a new paradigm of trademark that relies on the character improvement of students. Moreover, it demonstrates that the ideal approach to project this new paradigm of trademark is for educators and school executives to live as per the qualities they teach.

Keywords: Religious Education, Tolerance, National Cooperation.

 

1      Make the School a Better Place for Teachers

By Nnamdi Edu

I was recently informed of schools where the school heads were caught quarreling their teachers.  Of course, this sounds unprofessional.   However, while many see this issue as a troublesome circumstance, I consider it an open door for change. 

I’ve been working as a school board chair for years while serving as a Pastor in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 

The pain that the teachers face while performing their task is enormous.  I’ve on several occasions settled disputes between the school heads and their teachers. 

Leadership is not easy; every leader will tell you that, especially when dealing with workers in the workplace. So many factors can assist your progress if you stay attentive. 

1.1    Define your personal leadership philosophy

               "Your beliefs don't make you a better person, your behavior does“

Every educator knows the importance of philosophy in education, but how do you figure out your personal leadership philosophy that makes you behave well in your school?

You have to see how the major educational philosophies have influenced your thinking and figure out how to integrate them to suit you as a person.  I tell people to control their personal statement of beliefs that control their behavior in the classroom and the society, and the school heads are included.  You know what interest you and your expectations as a head. 

I do encourage fellow educators to be eclectic in their philosophical practices.

The question a leader should ask is how to apply the hidden curriculum? This is about behavior.  Every school  is concerned about the character development of their student, and the implementers of this curriculum are the teachers and the school administrators.  If the teachers and their head continue to quarrel what, exactly, are they teaching their students?  Therefore, the school head should choose a philosophy that anchors on making the school environment conducive for the teachers.

1.2    Apply theory to your administrative work.

Theories are generalized statements used in explaining a particular phenomenon.  I had the privilege of talking to an elementary school head teacher. While we were talking, the issue of theory came up.  As I was trying to explain a particular phenomenon with a theoretical framework, the school head, interrupted and altered a statement that got me thinking.  “Theories are meant for classroom solutions.”  I was startled at his response. 

There are a large number of school administrators with the same thought. An excessive number of school administrators don't have a clue of how sometimes their actions are based on theories. A leader who chooses to yell at his instructors when attempting to send them on an errand is indirectly applying theory X as propounded by Douglas MacGregor. All things considered, this specific theory as indicated by McGregor does not yield performance. Rather, he prescribed to each leader to apply theory Y that focuses on the prize of performance. As indicated by him, workers perform exceptionally well when they are fulfilled.

You need to understand that you have all it takes to make your teachers feel great. Abraham Maslow needs theory is essential for instructors. This theory proposes that school heads ought to work towards the fulfillment of their workers' needs. If a teacher works and his salaries are not paid as at when due, he'll not put in his best. I do sympathize with those teachers who have worked for 3 to 4 months without compensations. I think about how they are surviving.  In such an environment, how do you expect such teachers to teach effectively? Therefore, the leaders should apply theories when performing their task.

1.3    Integration of faith and leadership

I became very interested in the concept of integration of faith and learning during my first year in graduate school. 

A worldview has an impact on leadership. For instance, a Christian ought to know the significance of people. You can relate to individuals if you put the Bible at the center of your leadership. The Bible says, "Love your neighbors as you love yourself." It implies you'll not hurt your instructor, rather, you'll do everything within your ability to make him perform his obligations.

There are exceptionally many Biblical characters to follow. Jesus is the principal example. He was a servant leader. Studies have shown a strong correlation between servant leadership and workers' performance. Workers whose leaders are servants thrive. 

  As a leader, your teachers are important resources. You can't accomplish your objectives without their assistance.  Define your personal philosophy to reflect on teachers’ development, endeavor to use theories in performing your task and try to integrate faith in your leadership.  By so doing, the environment will become a safe place for teachers’ void of acrimony and other defiant actions.

1 Why do individuals open school?

By Nnamdi Edu

There are a few reasons why an individual desires to establish a school. The literature has uncovered some reasons why a few schools fizzled in their operations. Many authors have written extensively about the risk in letting any individual to open a school.

Despite the fact that the government has set up monitoring institutions to control this issue, we do not receive a reasonable answer to the inquiry: "why do individuals open school"?

1.1 Moneymaking?
Many schools are not faring well because of the motive of earning money. I had a discussion with somebody recently who wanted to establish a school. As an expert who have been in the business of giving guidance to whoever that develops an interest in school ownership, I needed to know exactly his motivation for coming up with such a laudable project. I asked, why are you considering opening a school for business? In reply to my question he said, “Things have been so tough in recent times, and I was told by a friend that there is money in school business, I want more counsel on this line of business.” While I was watching him explaining his purpose for considering school as a business, I was as well, cogitating on the system of education in his country. I discovered he came from a country where the government does not have a clear policy on education. Everybody can get into the project without any obstacle. More so, it is even easier with those who possess enough money in the bank. They said money counts in such nation. I knew he would not be gratified with my response, and then I put some other question, what is your envisaged school philosophy? He inquired how, I mean. Therefore, I said to him, you are not qualified to open a school if you do not possess a philosophy for such project. He wanted to know if all the schools in his country have a philosophy, and he went to the extent of mentioning names of individuals who have not even gone to the walls of the university but own their personal schools. The verity is that many people run into school venture for moneymaking and that is why the schools are not faring well.
1.2 Knowledge, Values, and Skills development?
Yes, you got it right. Few persons embark on this project with the determination to produce incredible personalities to become useful to themselves and the society. I do like this idea. This one sounds great. If you open a school as a duct through which knowledge, values, and skills are developed, you are on the correct track. This could serve as your mission for such venture. Your focus is not money, but service. Service is one of the elements that contributes to success. There was a time we had a group discussion where the question about school mission, philosophy, vision and objective arose. We ended the discourse with the belief that any entrepreneur who in his plans has a clear vision, mission, philosophy and objectives threads on the true way to success.
1.3 Conclusion
Entering into this venture because of money without considering knowledge, values and skills development, a stated vision, mission, philosophy, goals, and objectives will certainly result in failure. The government should strengthen their ministry of education at federal and state levels to include these elements as major criteria in establishing private schools.

What to do on a long Vacation
 

By Nnamdi Edu

 

Who knew how quickly the holiday would end? It was hard to acknowledge staying at home for a time of four months. The uneasiness it made was palpable. Extremely hard to acknowledge in light of the fact that I had not experienced such since I started my graduate studies. It was most noticeably worse when it became glaring that summer classes will not hold for graduate students. Nevertheless, as the Lord would have it, the holiday is over with loads of blessings from the Almighty God. The activities I set out on this period are exceptionally valuable of which I would love to share with friends.

For one, I chose to learn from the millipede. This creature belongs to the class of arthropods and is great at moving gradually. The creature is persistent in nature, consequently; a few people take their moderate nature for weakness. Patience became a value that I regard extraordinarily of this creature. I have recently understood that whatever will be will be. The best thing to do is to be patient with time and individuals. Every time I watch the millipede, which I am yet to find in the Philippines, I see a life full of hope.

Besides, it was a period of keeping up with reading. A time to revisit textbooks and other websites to study some of the complex ideas I came across during the class period.  A few questions got answers. While I do not see myself handling everything I had problem with, I was able to go through the most difficult ones.  I am not tired of reading because it is the only pathway to academic success.

Thirdly, the journey during this vacation turned out to be additionally intriguing with my own Bible study time. I will probably share one of the Strategies I found in instructing the Bible. I had a troublesome time in applying neighbor nudging in my classroom. It was this period that I connected it to the diverse setting and the outcome was sure. At the point when a man creates time for Bible studies, he would find such a variety of things about God's promises. What's more, when one is established in these promises he turns out to be more successful amidst difficulties.

That said, I am sure I have new ideas that will help me during this new semester and beyond.  Today, I am ready to start the semester with vivacity.  For me, it is a time to apply some of those values and new discoveries that I believe will help me to accomplish my requirement this semester.  I encourage every student to dispel fear and inculcate patience, reading and Bible study during their holidays. The reward is great.

Religion and Education

By Nnamdi Edu

The more I think of religion and education, the more interest I have in Christian Educational leadership. One may not fathom the relevance of religion in education until such person is enlightened by the Holy Spirit. The primary role of the Holy Spirit is to lead men and women to the Truth (John 16:13). I have witnessed many people of different religious views, rolling out hate speeches against other religions. As a result, most of the governments have declined vehemently from allowing religious education in the public schools. Every mind would accept the prompting of the Holy Spirit as it regards what to teach and learn. The education sector should include religious studies in their curriculum to serve as a medium for character development.

Religion is very important. How do we live with each other in this world? Even in a world of religious pluralism. Certainly, there is a need for different people to interact with one another for the purpose of coexistence. Everyone in the world needs to get a grasp on each religious affiliation in order to comprehend the different views people have and enables tolerance for each other.

The children that we send to school need to be educated about the major religions. We have in the world: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Judaism. A little knowledge of the world religions could lead to the condemnation of other religions. The knowledge of these religions, their practice and belief systems are made known to the public or individuals through education. I appreciate countries that integrate religious education into their curriculum.

The school administrator whose primary role is curriculum management should endeavor to ensure that the curriculum is properly planned, designed and implemented according to the philosophy upon which the school is established. Indeed, the curriculum should be underpinned by various religious views with much emphasis on Christianity in order to retain the values of Christian Education.

Friends, I encourage every reader of this piece to integrate religion in their discipline which will foster holistic relationship among friends or colleagues within that particular discipline. A Muslim, Christian e.t.c., can live without an atom of violence if they become mindful of what constitutes a particular religion. There will be no aggressive rejection of one’s opinion concerning his religion. Study religion in order to live peacefully with all men. (Romans 12:18).

CORRUPTION IN LEADERSHIP: WHAT AN AFRICAN LEADER SHOULD KNOW.

By Nnamdi Edu

1.1      INTRODUCTION

One of the major concerns of every leader of any organization is on how to fight corruption to the minimal level.   Experiences demonstrate that leaders must guarantee that their adherents keep up the most astounding standard of trustworthiness, openness, and straightforwardness in the organization.

The fight against this menace has become a global issue led by the United States of America (Tan, 2016 July 16).  Thus, every leader should embark on the fight against corruption to keep their organizations afloat

A leadership that is full of corruption will frustrate the achievement of the organization’s goals.  Studies have shown that Corruption caused by several factors affects the lives of many organizations (Gavina 2002) Therefore, both the workers and the leaders should work hand in hand to overcome the problem.  Knowing what corruption is all about will enable the leader to take precaution.

1.2      WHAT IS CORRUPTION?

There are different definitions of corruption and its peculiar connotations (Suzan and Bonnie, 2016).  According to the dictionary.net corruption is “lack of integrity or honesty (especially susceptibility to bribery); use of a position of trust for dishonest gain.”  Suzan and Bonnie (2016) expounded on this as they mentioned “bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, influence peddling, conflict of interests, accounting fraud, electoral fraud and so forth,” as types of corruption that have affected several organizations today.

1.3      CAUSES OF CORRUPTION

In determining how to overcome corruption, we must look for the possible actions that could lead to corrupt practices and the greater opportunity of enhancing prevention.

1.3.1    The desire to be rich. 

The leaders who want to be rich will do everything to become rich. Since money attracts fame, many people will even resort to killing just to satisfy their desire. According to Nation newspaper (2016, July 23) an herbalist in collaboration with his friends killed a man who was desperate of having money.  Indeed, those who want to become rich at all cost, their actions can lead them to corruption.

1.3.2    Politics. 

The leaders who want to remain in their position would do everything to retain their positions (Edu, 2010). It means such a leader can demote or sack those who do not support  his ambition.  Indeed, a leader who fights for power can even go to the length of paying people to support him.  Politics can instigate corruption at any point in time.

1.3.3    Fear

The fear of jail can lead a leader to do what he may not want to do.  Experiences have shown that many leaders have offered to pay a bribe to avoid jail.  William and Joseph (2016) reported High-rank police officers arrested in New York for receiving a bribe.  In addition, the police arrested the business mogul.  Therefore, a leader who seeks to jump bail can as well violate the law.

1.4      EFFECTS OF CORRUPTION

According to Chinua Achebe as cited by Elizabeth Nduku and John Tenamwenye (2014); “Without a doubt, corruption has permeated the African society and anyone who can say that corruption in Africa has not become alarming is either a fool, a crook or else does not live on this continent.” 

1.4.1    Reduction in output

An organization whose leadership is involved in corrupt practices suffers a deficiency of output.  A leader's interest with that of the organization ought to be in harmony. Peradventure a leader involves himself in corrupt practices certainly; such organization's production will fall. The followers depend on upon their organization to achieve their personal goals, likewise, the organization depends on the worker for its goals. Along these lines, the leaders who misuse the organization assets for their own advantage destroy such organization. 

1.4.2    Low employee morale

The degenerate practices of a leader drive the workers' confidence to fall. Indeed, such workers will not perform their obligation as well.   The individuals who earn or are motivated by their leaders stay committed to work.

1.4.3    High level of attrition

The number of laborers can decrease because of corrupt practices of the leader. Workers who cannot address their own and family needs will sort work in a different organization. There is a typical understanding that the individuals who are satisfied with their work stay steadfast while the individuals who are not glad decides to resign. 

1.5      MINIMIZING CORRUPTION

Corruption in leadership will reduce if leaders can instill the following values in their leadership.

1.5.1    Proper education

The education of the leader matters well for the organization.  Leaders set the standard for their organization and as such, they are required to acquire the right education to perform their leadership task.  When a leader gains the right knowledge, attitude, and skills, he works well.

Every organization should ensure to place in leadership men and women who had attained the right knowledge for their job.  If a mediocre leads the organization, he may not perform well and as a result, he will only think of making money.  Therefore, leaders must acquire the resources that they need to perform their job.

1.5.2    Perseverance

When a leader begins his job of leadership and he faces challenges, he should demonstrate perseverance.  This trait can help the leader to remain loyal to his organizational goals.  In times of difficulty, the leader should continue to put in his best. Any leader who perseveres will achieve his goals.

1.5.3    Honesty

Honesty is required of every leader if he wants to achieve in leadership.  A variety of organizations looks up to the leaders who honestly can perform their duties.  If a leader imbues honesty, he will act without any thought of corruption. 

1.5.4    Accountability

Those leaders who give an account of their stewardship excel in their jobs. When a leader is always taking stock of his activities to report to the management of the organization he will do everything within his capacity to avoid corruption.  The organization that allows check and balance takes precaution to elude evil.

1.6      CONCLUSION

There is indeed joy when a leader does his job without corrupt practices.  The leaders of the organization should identify those factors that can lead to corruption in leadership.  Unless the organization does a background check on some leaders to ascertain their education and values, it will be difficult for them to hire or find a good leader.

Let the leader strive to remain resolute to his organization’s values and work hard to ensure the achievement of their goals. When a leader puts in his best at work, he will definitely receive a reward for his hard work.  In addition, think more about how to serve. Do not control individuals for your own advantage. Remember that, we came into this world with nothing in our hands and we shall likewise leave with nothing. Wait patiently.  God will favor you at the right time.

1.7      References

Choo, T. S. (2016, July 27). Making Sens - Fighting corruption in a globalized world. Retrieved from theSundaily: http://www.thesundaily.my/node/383494

Edu, N. (2010). Growing Up with Leadership: Seven Techniques to Excellence. Port Harcourt: Beautiful Publishers.

Elizabeth Nduku and John Tenamwenye. (2014). Corruption in Africa. Geneva: Globethics.net. Retrieved August 2016, from www.globethics.net/documents/4289936/13403252/GE_Focus_14_web.pdf

Gaviria, A. (2002). Assessing the effects of corruption and crime on firm performance: evidence from Latin America. Emerging Markets Review, 3(3), 245-268.

How we killed businessman after money ritual deal went awry’. (2016, July 23). Retrieved from The Nation: http://thenationonlineng.net/killed-businessman-money-ritual-deal-went-awry/

Susan RosaAckerman and Bonnie J. Palifka. (2016). Corruption and Government: Causes, Consequences, and Reforms. USA: Sheridan books.

William K. Rashbaum and Joseph Goldstein. (2016, June 20). 3 N.Y.P.D. Commanders Are Arrested in Vast Corruption Case. Retrieved from New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/21/nyregion/nypd-arrests.html?_r=0