In Nigeria, the university system is marred by deeply entrenched corruption and systemic negligence, much like the issues highlighted in Ismatu Gwendolyn’s essay on the American education system. Nigerian universities, instead of being havens of intellectual growth and societal advancement, have become battlegrounds where students and faculty alike are victims of exploitative practices. From the endemic issue of “sorting” a euphemism for bribing lecturers for grades to the pervasive culture of sexual harassment, these institutions have become symbols of how deeply flawed systems prioritize profit and power over the welfare of their students and staff. The tragic consequences of this negligence are all too common, with students losing their lives or futures due to the lack of accountability within these institutions.
The corruption within Nigerian universities is not just limited to financial or sexual exploitation; it extends to the very structure of the academic environment. The admission process is often riddled with fraud, where merit is sidelined in favor of those who can afford to pay their way in. The curriculum is outdated, and the facilities are woefully inadequate, leaving students ill-prepared for the challenges of the modern world. Despite these glaring deficiencies, university administrations often respond with indifference, focusing instead on maintaining their own privileges and connections within the political elite. Just as Gwendolyn pointed out in her essay, these institutions operate under a veil of “negligence,” where the real purpose is not to educate but to perpetuate a system that benefits a select few.
In the face of such corruption, Nigerian students have often been left to fend for themselves, much like their counterparts in the U.S. who protest against the commodification of education. The deaths of students due to avoidable circumstances, such as poorly maintained facilities or inadequate security, are dismissed as accidents, with no meaningful reforms enacted. This systemic failure not only robs students of their right to a quality education but also entrenches a cycle of grief and despair. However, as Gwendolyn encourages, there is power in collective resistance. Nigerian students must hold the line, refusing to accept the status quo, and demanding accountability and reform within their institutions. The fight against corruption in Nigerian universities is not just about securing better education but reclaiming the very soul of these institutions for the future generations.