Merit Replaced by Money: How Affluence Trumps Academic Excellence in Nigeria

By talking magic fingers -

 

The Nigerian education system is plagued by many issues—dilapidated infrastructure, underpaid teachers, outdated curricula. But one silent killer eats deeper than all: the replacement of merit with money.

In schools across the country, students from less privileged backgrounds find themselves locked out—not because they lack intelligence, but because they lack influence.

Consider Fatima, a student from a public secondary school in Kano who scored high on her university entrance exam but couldn’t gain admission. Why? Her spot was sold to the child of a politician, whose grades didn’t even qualify.

This isn’t just a one-off tragedy. It’s systemic.

The Cost of Replacing Merit:

  • Demotivation: Hardworking students see no reward.

  • Brain Drain: Our best minds seek fairer systems abroad.

  • Corruption Pipeline: Children of privilege often don’t feel the need to work hard, perpetuating entitlement.

  • National Decline: Mediocre minds making critical decisions for our future.

Who’s to Blame?

  • Parents who pay their way into institutions.

  • School officials who accept bribes and favors.

  • Government bodies who ignore transparent admission policies.

The Way Forward

  • Digitalize admission processes.

  • Ensure public access to cut-off marks and admission lists.

  • Penalize schools found guilty of admission fraud.

  • Educate students and parents on long-term values of integrity.

If we truly want a better Nigeria, merit must matter again.

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