Education in Crisis: Leaders Accused of Negligence as Schools Remain Closed
LAGOS, Nigeria - Public frustration is mounting across Nigeria as schools remain shut, leaving millions of children out of classrooms for over three months. This prolonged closure, coupled with rampant insecurity and alleged corruption, has sparked widespread public outcry and accusations of gross negligence against the nation's leaders.
"Imagine children staying at home for more than three months – do you know how crazy that is?" lamented one protestor. "They want to raise gang bangers. We are talking about terrorism in Nigeria, and you are keeping our children at home. Bad people can take advantage of these kids."
The protestors voiced deep concern over the future of Nigerian youth, whom they call "leaders of tomorrow," yet are being denied the foundational education necessary for leadership. "You have broken the path of education that will enable them to even try to lead tomorrow, and it is not fair," a speaker declared.
Criticism was also leveled at the perceived irresponsibility and carelessness of elected officials. "Our leaders have failed us," one individual stated, accusing a prominent politician, seemingly "Mr. Project," of masking inaction with superficial infrastructure initiatives. "Most of the roads he's doing now are roads that some people started; he's just completing them. If the people under you are complaining that they don't have food to eat, there's a problem."
Further allegations of corruption emerged, including a story of a property in Asokoro Drive allegedly demolished and illegally reallocated to a politician's sister after the owner refused a forced sale. "When they say W is working, it is actually robbing Peter to give Paul. There's nothing W is doing in this at all," a protestor claimed, referring to the politician.
The speakers highlighted the pervasive challenges faced by everyday Nigerians, from underpaid civil servants, police, and doctors, to the rising insecurity. "Every day, people are getting kidnapped. The problem is actually too massive," one protestor emphasized, noting how Nigerians have become desensitized to reports of mass casualties.
The call for accountability extended to the country's economic policies, with questions raised about the recovery of ₦200 billion from politicians and the utilization of funds from fuel subsidy removal. "Where is all this money? Teachers are working, students are suffering, civil servants are crying. Where is all this money?" one speaker demanded.
The protestors concluded with a plea for immediate action.
