Taste of Africa! Unbelievable Rates! Visit Nigeria's Poorest Slum!!

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Nigerian officials are facing an interesting predicament. Slums are usually viewed as demolition targets to make way for useless" infrastructure projects or projects that benefit only the rich. But apparently many people think "poverty in Nigeria is good business." The article claims that this call for exploitation of the business potential of slums is not a call for "anti-modernization". At first it seems a disturbing comment on the unequal state of affairs in this world that Nigerians wish to prostitute themselves to the curiosity of "affluent tourists from the Western economies who yearn to catch a glimpse of what it is like to live in poverty." But then again, it might be pure pragmatism. I feel that I cannot comment on Nigerian behavior because my opinions are influenced by my western upbringing. Africa, or at least West Africa should rally around a set of principles, in a manner similar to the founding of the United States on our political and moral foundation. I don't know which principles they would choose, or what would be best for them, but I do know that they need some sort of ideological unity on which they can launch their fledgling democracies.

Education Abroad Soon to Be History

In a country where sectarian violence causes daily riots and mobs, the GDP per capita is $2100, slums are prevalent, the AIDS virus is rampant, and the government is confused about who actually runs the country it's no surprise that education in Nigeria isn't exactly doing so hot. In 2009, Nigerian Universities were shut down for 5 months, affecting an estimated 10 million students. It was no surprise then, that 2009 saw some of the worst exam results for Nigerian students. Only 25% of Nigerian students passed the Senior Schools Certificate Examination (SSCE) and a stunning 98% of Nigerian students failed the NECO. As a result over N295 billion is spent in the education of Nigerian students abroad in the UK and Canada. This in turn worsens conditions of schools in Nigeria. Thus, a bill has been proposed to outlaw the education of Nigerian Public Officials' children in other countries. The bill passed its first reading in the House and awaits a second reading. If formally made into law, it would require public officials to educate their children at Nigeria's primary and undergraduate institutions. In order to educate their children abroad, all public holders would have to obtain a waiver from the Minister of Education. The issuance of a waiver would be guided by the following -

1. the "nature of the proposed course of study for an undergraduate applicant"
2. the "medical condition [of the undergraduate applicant]"
3. the "general national interest"

Any qualifying children already studying abroad before the bill becomes law, will automatically qualify for a waiver.