Chinelo, the best graduating student of UNN 2017 got a cash prize of 26 thousand naira which was from the school and her department. She got other cash prizes from private individuals the media didn't report but that's not the crux of the matter.

This kind of news is so disheartening. Making a first class in public universities in Nigeria is not easy. You have to read voraciously, Cross seven seas and seven mountains and at the end of the day what do you get? A meagre amount as an appreciation. Chaiii!

Things have fallen apart and the center couldn't hold. How can a prestigious citadel of learning like the University of Nigeria offer a token of N20, 000 to her best graduating student?

Who has bewitched us in this country?
How did we end up this way?

This singular act is the reason why we experience exodus of our best brains to the developed world every year which creates a huge vacuum (brain drain) and inhibits our growth and development as a nation.

Just two days ago, Goodluck Jonathan, Atiku Abubakar and the commonsense Senator congratulated Wizkid for emerging the best International act at the Mobo Awards.
Few months ago Efe won 25 million naira for doing what? Showcasing his daily lifestyle on TV for 90 days or thereabout.
A country that values entertainment more than academic achievements, how will it compete with industrialized nations?

We need to chart a new course in this country. We need to set things right. This is not the way to go. It's so heartbreaking.

Let me conclude by saying this;

'Undergraduates don't be deterred by news like this. Strive to be the best you can. If you have the means to make a First class or a second class upper, please don't relent'.

Shalom!

Written by Ifeanyi OnyeAbiriba Okebe

Nice write up....who knows ....table might be turned around for good to academic sector in future...."".Education" is an asset Worths having