In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a troubling trend in its political landscape—one that is marked by bitterness and vindictiveness. This toxic atmosphere, fueled by a combination of power struggles and personal vendettas, has given rise to a series of policy decisions that are not only short-sighted but are also detrimental to the nation’s long-term growth and development. Among the most alarming of these policies are the removal of history from the educational curriculum and the imposition of a minimum age of 18 for writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). These policies, driven by narrow-minded political agendas, are stifling the very foundations of self-reliance, economic growth, and national development in Nigeria.
The Erasure of History: A Dangerous Omission
History is the backbone of any society; it shapes identity, informs decision-making, and provides lessons from the past to guide future actions. The removal of history from Nigeria’s educational curriculum is a retrogressive step that strips young Nigerians of the opportunity to learn from the nation’s rich past. Without a thorough understanding of where the country has come from, how can the next generation chart a course for where it is going?
This erasure of history is not just an academic oversight—it is a deliberate attempt to disconnect Nigerians from their roots, leaving them adrift in a world where they are unable to fully grasp their place and potential. By depriving students of this crucial knowledge, the government is weakening the intellectual foundation upon which self-reliance and national development are built.
Age Restrictions: Stifling Potential
Equally concerning is the recent policy mandating that students must be at least 18 years old to sit for the WASSCE. This policy, which ostensibly aims to ensure maturity and readiness for the exam, is, in reality, an artificial barrier that inhibits the natural progression of young minds. In other countries, young prodigies are celebrated and nurtured, given every opportunity to explore their talents and reach their full potential. In Nigeria, however, this policy serves as a discouragement, placing unnecessary constraints on the ambitions of young students who are ready to excel.
By setting an arbitrary age limit, the government is effectively delaying the academic and professional development of its youth, depriving the nation of the contributions that these bright young minds could be making. This is a clear case of policy driven by bitterness rather than a genuine concern for the well-being of students.
The Broader Impact on Economic Growth and Development
The implications of these policies extend far beyond the classroom. A nation that stifles its history and restricts the potential of its youth is one that is setting itself up for stagnation. Economic growth and development are driven by innovation, creativity, and a deep understanding of the socio-economic and political landscape—all of which are undermined by these policies.
Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources and a youthful population that is eager to learn, innovate, and contribute to the nation’s progress. However, when politics of bitterness dictates policy direction, it creates an environment where the most capable and talented individuals are held back, either by ignorance of their own history or by arbitrary age restrictions.
The Way Forward
For Nigeria to realize its full potential, it must reject the politics of bitterness and embrace policies that foster growth, self-reliance, and development. This begins with reinstating history in the educational curriculum, ensuring that every Nigerian student understands the nation’s past and can draw from it to build a better future. It also means removing age-based barriers to academic achievement, allowing young Nigerians to advance according to their abilities, not their birth dates.
The Nigerian government must recognize that the true measure of progress is not in the imposition of restrictive policies but in the creation of an environment where every citizen is empowered to contribute to the nation’s development. Only then can Nigeria harness the full potential of its people and achieve the economic growth and self-reliance that it so desperately needs.
In conclusion, the politics of bitterness, manifesting in harmful policy pronouncements, is a significant obstacle to Nigeria’s progress. To move forward, the country must adopt a more inclusive, forward-thinking approach that prioritizes education, nurtures talent, and celebrates the achievements of all its citizens, regardless of age.
